Florida Agency for Health Care Administration Chief of Staff Erica Floyd Thomas
December 5, 2025 – LeadingAge Southeast affirmed its support for the Rural Health Transformation Program in Florida. The statewide initiative led by Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is designed to strengthen care access, expand clinical capacity, and improve health outcomes in rural communities. As part of this ongoing initiative, members of LeadingAge Southeast participated in an AHCA-led town hall at Advent Christian Village, which focused on the program’s goals, funding initiatives, and engagement from rural providers on their priorities, challenges, and opportunities.
LeadingAge Southeast and its members believe that nursing homes, assisted living communities, and other long-term care providers should collaborate and integrate in the program’s design and partnership strategy.
“LeadingAge Southeast supports the Rural Health Transformation Project and the promising opportunities it presents for older adults living in rural communities,” said Steve Bahmer, President & CEO of LeadingAge Southeast. “The town hall event at Advent Christian Village underscores the importance of collaboration between AHCA, health care providers, and community partners. We look forward to continuing our work to ensure that nursing homes, assisted living communities, affordable senior housing, and other aging services providers are fully engaged in this transformative effort.”
During the town hall, AHCA leaders presented key components of their proposal and outlined the state’s vision for expanding access. Providers then engaged directly with state officials through questions and open discussion.
Florida has the opportunity to receive $100 million to $200 million per year for five years to support these efforts, pending final approval from the federal government. A decision is expected by December 31, 2025.
“As a rural community serving older adults across the full continuum of care, we know how vital these investments will be,” said Craig Carter, President & CEO of Advent Christian Village. The town hall provided clarity, direction, and optimism about what this project can achieve. We appreciate LeadingAge Southeast’s advocacy and AHCA’s partnership as we prepare for the opportunities ahead.”
A Critical Investment in Rural Aging Services
Rural nursing homes and senior living communities play a vital role as anchors of care in regions where older adults often face limited access to health services.
AHCA’s priorities in their proposal include:
- Expanding Access
- Strengthening Workforce
- Modernizing Technology
- Improving Health Outcomes
Building Sustainable Financial and Operational Foundations
About LeadingAge Southeast
Established in 1963, LeadingAge Southeast is the premier association serving high-quality senior living providers across the continuum of care in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. The Association provides up-to-date regulatory information, a wide variety of educational opportunities, representation before the Legislature and government agencies, group purchasing services, and opportunities for networking with peers to help member communities best serve the needs of older adults.