Statement from House Speaker Steve Crisafulli
Regarding the Low Income Pool

 

“Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) indicated to the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) they are considering providing Florida with significant LIP funding for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 Fiscal Years. At this time, the Legislative and Executive branches are analyzing the impact that this may have on health care provider funding.

I am grateful to Governor Scott for his tenacity in protecting Florida’s interests while negotiating with CMS, and I have no doubt his strong leadership secured continued LIP funding for our state.

From the beginning, the House has maintained the Legislature could craft a responsible budget while Governor Scott’s administration negotiated with CMS over the future of LIP, and that LIP should not be tied to the Medicaid expansion debate. During this year’s regular Legislative Session, the House made earnest efforts to negotiate a balanced budget by May 1 that set aside state funds as a contingency for LIP, anticipating CMS’ decision would not fund LIP at current levels.

I appreciate CMS providing this information in a timely manner for Special Session and for separating LIP funding from Medicaid expansion. While we are still evaluating the effect of the new LIP funding level, this progress will greatly help the House and Senate finalize allocations and pass a balanced budget that meets the needs of Floridians during the upcoming Special Session in June.”