November 18 2019 – On Novemebr 18 2019 Governor DeSantis unveiled his recommended Bolder, Brighter, Better Future Budget that makes thoughtful and strategic investments to transform Florida’s health care delivery system. This budget prioritizes driving accountability for efficient and effective use of taxpayer resources, while preserving the health care safety net and enhancing the health and wellbeing of Florida’s most vulnerable citizens.
Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Mary Mayhew said, “Governor DeSantis has made his commitment to improving Florida’s health care system clear, and this budget will drive transformation to lower the cost of prescription drugs, deliver better outcomes for Florida patients, and allow our state to continue moving toward a value-based healthcare delivery system. Making key investments in the Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program will bolster the Governor’s efforts to improve access to safe, affordable prescription drugs and identify real cost savings within taxpayer funded programs. Additionally, proposing to further modernize healthcare information technology systems will strengthen our capacity to meet the comprehensive health care needs of the nearly four million Floridians we serve. Our core mission is to ensure a high quality, safe and affordable health care delivery system for all Floridians and the Governor’s budget is committed to supporting that mission.”
Governor DeSantis’ health care budget supports critical initiatives that will further improve Florida’s health care system:
–The budget proposes funding for a new rate level for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) to support our most vulnerable:
–The funding will support those who serve people with disabilities and improve access to people with disability. This community is a core constituency of the Medicaid program.
–The funding creates a new reimbursement level for those with severe behavioral needs.
–The budget proposes funding for implementation of the Canadian RX Importation Program:
–The Program will facilitate the wholesale importation into Florida of safe and effective prescription drugs from approved Canadian suppliers.
–Cost savings are anticipated to be over $150 million annually when the Program is fully operational.
–The budget proposes funding for projects to improve technology and Florida Health Care Connections (FX):
–The funding allows for a move to a comprehensive modular Medicaid system, including improved administration of data collection and data analysis.
– The funding drives structural changes in health care technology to improve access to data and information necessary to deliver greater value.
