Support needed for Senate Bill 412 (SB 412) and House Bill 1387 (HB 1387), which are crucial for the advancement and sustainability of adult day care services in our state.  I urge your office to consider the significant impact these bills will have on our community, especially for our elderly and disabled populations.

Historical Context and Current Financial Challenges in Adult Day Services:

Since 2011, Florida's approach to long-term care has undergone considerable changes, particularly with the initiation of the Long-term Medicaid Managed Care Program. The transition to this system, fully sanctioned by the federal government in 2013 and implemented from 2014, has significantly impacted the financial viability of adult day care services.

Prior to this transition, adult day services providers were reimbursed $80 per day under the Aged and Disabled Adult Services Waiver Fee Schedule. However, this rate was reduced to $55 per day by 2014, a drastic cut of over 31%. Today, despite inflation and rising operational costs, providers receive an average of only $65 per day. This is in stark contrast to the 30% increase in funding to Capitation Rates for Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) over the past decade, which unfortunately has not translated into better reimbursement rates for adult day care services.

Proposed Legislative Measures:

        *Establishment of a Fee Schedule and Minimum Rate:

• Introduction of a Two-tier payment system.
• Tier I for licensed centers under Part III of Chapter 429.
• Tier II for centers with specialized Alzheimer's services.
• Proposed minimum rates of $90 for Tier I and an additional 30% for Tier II.   
  
  *Reverting Transportation Management to Providers:
• Allowing providers to manage transportation directly.
• Elimination of mandatory use of non-emergency medical transportation brokers.

          *Enhanced Provider Training:

• Additional 8-hour continuing education training for Center Operators.

These measures are designed to ensure fair compensation, streamline essential services, and maintain high standards of care.

Supporting Documents:

-Letter of Support for Fair Funding by the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA).
-Letter of Support for Fair Funding by the Alzheimer’s Association (ALZ).
-Comprehensive History and Data Facts of Adult Day Services and Reimbursement.

I firmly believe that the implementation of these legislative measures will significantly improve the quality and accessibility of adult day care services in Florida. Your support for SB 412 and HB 1387 will not only address the financial challenges faced by service providers but also ensure that our most vulnerable citizens receive the care they deserve.