The state of Florida currently has 349 licensed Adult Day Health Programs (ADH) providing critical health care services to approximately more than 18,000(slots) frail elders and adults with disabilities, including chronic disease management, health care oversight, monitoring, and care coordination, social services and family support. More than half of ADH participants suffer from Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

ADH across the state play an extremely critical role in the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long‐term Care Program serving as the main providers for managed care plans (LTC plans) to provide an array of home and community-based services that enable enrollees to live in the community and to avoid institutionalization. We understand disability not only impacts the individual in- need, but also the family members and friends who provide care and assistance. The costs of care-giving can include physical, emotional and financial tolls that impact individuals, families, and society. ADH programs offer peace of mind and afford caregivers respite from the demanding responsibilities of care-giving.

Over the years, the Adult Day Services industry has faced a steady rise in Cost of Living expenses with no increases in rate compensation in over a decade. Recently, the extra cost associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of Consumer Prices including gas, rent, liability insurances, office supplies, etc has dramatically increased operational for ADH programs.

Recruiting and maintaining the workforce has long been problematic for Adult Day Services. With a rising number of large enterprises (e.g., McDonald's, Amazon) currently paying $15 or more per hour, the present reimbursement structure plus a $15 minimum wage will further complicate Adult Day Services' capacity to offer competitive compensation. 

In order to avoid high turnover rates, industry standards usually involve compensating direct service staff  35%-50% over minimum wage. With this said, we are facing an even more significant hurdle with Florida's minimum wage increasing 75.23% over the next five years. Increases will start at the end of September 2021 with a 16% increase from $8.65/hr to $10/hr, continuing with a steady growth of $1.00 yearly until it reaches $15/h. 

Our priority is to have our legislators address and recognize the risks of not taking action promptly. We need every Florida Adult Day professional to take action to increase awareness of this critically urgent policy priority to lawmakers, the media, and the general public.

We must take action to maintain provider sustainability and minimize consequences of the forthcoming $15/hr minimum wage.