Rick Scott’s proposed budget eliminates the Medical Needy Program and reduces hospital Medicaid rates. Sacred Heart Health System, the largest Medicaid provider in Northwest Florida, stands to lose $21 million if the proposed reductions are adopted.
Baptist Health Care, the county’s largest behavioral health services provider. The State of Florida’s Senate Health Appropriations Committee is currently contemplating the elimination of funding for services provided to the Department of Children and Families for substance abuse and mental health from the State of Florida’s budget. Baptist estimates the cuts would result in the loss of 350 job- an estimated $14.1 million economic impact.
The Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce took a position yesterday urging the Florida Legislature to oppose the reduction in Medicaid funding for hospitals and behavioral health services providers.