As Governor Rick Scott sues the federal government for attempting to coerce Florida into expanding Medicaid, the Agency for Health Care Administration, or AHCA, is trying to find solutions for low-income Floridians with medical needs.
AHCA is appealing to the Federal Government for a two year extension of the Low Income Pool, or LIP, funding. The program reimburses hospitals who care for low-income patients. Andrew Behrman, President of the Florida Association of Community Health Centers, says his membership relies on LIP.
“Since the ‘Life of LIP,’ I’ll call it, over the last number of years, our uninsured population has grown by 39 percent,” Behrman said. “But, the use of LIP funds has been instrumental in helping us bring needed services to the communities we serve.”
Wednesday was the first of three public meetings to discuss AHCA’s plans for LIP extension. The last meeting will be held on Friday in Tallahassee.
