Florida HCBS Spending Plan
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) went into effect April 1, 2021.
Section 9817 of this Act authorized an increased Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) to support Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). The ten (10) percentage point enhancement to the FMAP will be based on State Medicaid spending on HCBS services during the period between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022; the Act also stipulates that these funds must be expended by March 31, 2024.
The State is required to submit quarterly updates to CMS on the status of the HCBS Spending Plan and Narrative.
Florida HCBS Enhanced Funding Opportunity
The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) received approval from the Legislative Budget Commission for spending authority of funds received from the ARPA to support HCBS providers.
The ARPA provides enhanced federal funding, for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), and certain behavioral health services, to support the state share of Medicaid spending. Florida received conditional approval to begin implementing the activities in the proposed spending plan and narrative on September 28, 2021. Having now received the necessary legislative approval to expend these funds, the Agency is initiating the application process for eligible providers.
Florida is investing the enhanced funding to allow Florida health care providers to recruit and retain staff to care for the most vulnerable and bolster the ability of Floridians to receive care in a community-based setting. Florida’s HCBS programs serve the state’s aging population, as well as individuals with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.
To apply, visit our Application Instructions page for information on how to download, complete, and submit an application.
HCBS Enhanced Funding Updates and Resources
Florida’s HCBS Submission - July 2021
Florida’s Response to Request for Additional Information - August 2021
Florida’s Updated HCBS Submission – September 2021
Florida’s HCBS Conditional Approval – September 28, 2021
Florida’s Quarterly Spending Plan and Narrative – October 15, 2021
Florida's HCBS Quarterly Report, Q3 FY2021-22 - February 15, 2022
Florida's HCBS Quarterly Report, Q1 FY2023 - July 15, 2022
Highlights of Florida’s Strategy for Using the Enhanced Funding
Applications now available: The submission period ended on February 14, 2022 for “One-Time Provider Stipend and/or One-Time Provider Retention Payments Application" and "Delayed Egress Purchase and Install Payments Application.”
- One-time provider stipend;
- One-time provider retention payments;
- Purchase of delayed egress systems.
Applications/program information coming soon
- Expanding use of technology through equipment/technology purchases for eligible recipients;
- Access to additional equipment, devices or modifications for eligible recipients;
- Enhanced services through the Home Care for the Elderly program administered by DOEA;
- Funding for mental health and substance use disorder services to regain skills lost during the COVID–19 PHE.