FAHCS Secures Major Victory for HME Industry in Florida

Published in Government Relations on May 10, 2023

Congratulations to FAHCS! Thanks to the tireless efforts of FAHCS and the many Florida-based providers who carry their mission forward, along with support from various other industry stakeholders including AAHomecare, VGM, and The Griffin Group, the Legislative Committee successfully secured a major victory for the HME industry in Florida. Effective July 1, the approved budget will introduce a 7.5% rate increase to the Medicaid Fee Schedule, with proviso language dictating that providers receive the increase. Moving forward, FAHCS will collaborate with Department leadership to ensure smooth execution of the increase. 

This accomplishment is the result of extensive advocacy and meetings in Tallahassee that began last Fall. However, it's worth noting that FAHCS has spent years building relationships with the Legislature, the Department, and its staff. The pandemic highlighted the critical role of HME in the healthcare continuum, and our industry gained many supporters as a result. Special thanks go to Senator Gayle Harrell, Representative Sam Garrison, and American Health Care Association for their invaluable support. With the rising costs of goods and labor, the FAHCS Board of Directors and Legislative Committee have reason to celebrate this win for providers and their patients in Florida. 

"As a board member of FAHCS, I want to express my gratitude to VGM, Laura Williard with AAHomecare, and other groups whose unwavering efforts made this rate increase possible,” said Gerry Finazzo, Regional Account Manager, VGM & Associates. “I personally made a few trips to Tallahassee, but I recognize that this achievement would not have been possible without the tireless work of our Legislative Committee. This victory is a positive step forward for the HME industry in Florida." 

“This is a great example of providers identifying a need and taking the initiative to tell their story collectively using the strength of their state association,” said Craig Douglas, VP of Payer and Member Relations, VGM Government Relations. “The positive changes achieved here rarely, if ever, happen on their own. When market changes happen and the need for change arises, we must be ready and willing to ask for the change that is needed, and to justify why the change is necessary. That is exactly what happened in Florida recently, and now the providers in Florida will be better positioned to continue to provide the products and services that patients need in their homes.”