Commissioner René García’s ordinance allowing Miami-Dade County to receive its fair share of federal Medicaid funding passes
MIAMI-DADE – During today’s BCC meeting, Commissioner René García’s ordinance passed, creating a Medicaid Hospital Directed Payment Program (DPP) in Miami-Dade County. Passage of the Commissioner’s ordinance created a mechanism for private, non-profit, and proprietary hospitals in the County to receive a more equitable share of Medicaid funding. The Medicaid program ensures that some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities have access to quality healthcare services.
In Florida, hospitals confront the harsh reality of the Medicaid shortfall, receiving only 60 cents in reimbursement for every dollar they spend providing Medicaid services. The Miami area includes approximately 17% of the state’s Medicaid enrollees. As a result, hospitals in Miami-Dade County annually provide $524 million in unreimbursed Medicaid services.
When hospitals face staggering losses, they cannot provide the care necessary for the population. The Hospital Directed Payment Program provides the opportunity for hospitals in Miami-Dade to unlock federal funds to help close the reimbursement gap.
“The passage of this ordinance will ensure that our community’s low-income patients benefit from enhanced healthcare services, and hospitals are able to improve their facilities and patient care through the creation of this program, which ensures Miami-Dade County and its residents receive their fair share of federal Medicaid funding,” stated Commissioner García.