Florida Won't Get $35.7M Federal Health Grant

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, May 30, 2011 -

In March, Gov. Rick Scott’s staff said he would accept a $35.7 million “Money Follows the Person” federal health grant.

But the Legislature appears to have decided otherwise. In the 2011-12 budget Scott just signed, lawmakers failed to give the Agency for Health Care Administration budget authority to draw down and spend the money.

Patient advocates were dismayed at the omission, because the money was to have been spent on home- and community-care programs that let disabled and elderly people move out of nursing homes or avoid them in the first place.

"It's particularly appalling, considering the Legislature just cut funds to nursing homes," said Jack McRay, AARP Florida lobbyist. The industry has said the Medicaid pay cuts will force staff cuts.

Neither the Legislature nor AHCA had publicized the decision. When Health News Florida inquired, AHCA spokeswoman Shelisha Coleman confirmed it in an e-mail: "The Florida Legislature did not include budget authority …for the administration of the Money Follows the Person grant award.”


<http://www.wctv.tv/floridanews/headlines/Florida_Wont_Get_357M_Federal_Health_Grant_122821024.html>


It just keeps getting better and better here in Florida :sarcasm:

in Florida no less. What is this? a death march for the GOP ? :evilfrown:

His decision was based on the "Reason Foundation".. a consortiumn of Big Oil, road builders and tire companies. Founded by ( R U ready for this?) The Koch Brothers.