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Government Affairs & Advocacy

Updated March 5, 2024

The HCAF policy team works continuously to ensure policymakers are aware of issues that matter most to the industry. We monitor, propose, and advocate for laws and regulations that advance the home care provider community and protect access to in-home care for Floridians.

HCAF's seasoned public policy team works closely with state and federal government officials and regulatory agencies related to government affairs and advocacy. This includes collaboration with the state Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Our affiliations include partnerships with the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), the Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare, the Partnership for Medicaid Home-Based Care, and the Florida Palliative Care Coalition.

HCAF members are encouraged to be advocates for their businesses, staff, and patients/clients by getting involved in our policy and advocacy initiatives. Our members receive timely policy updates, action alerts, and access to our online tracker of federal and state legislation that directly affects the home care sector.

For additional information or assistance with a policy matter, email Kyle Simon, Senior Director of Policy, Advocacy & Communications, at ksimon@homecarefla.org or call (850) 222-8967.

Federal Policy Issues

Congress meets throughout the year to oversee federal programs (e.g., Medicare and Medicaid) and create laws that affect home care providers. Click here to view the United States Senate schedule, and click here to view the United States House of Representatives schedule. You can view the federal legislation that we are monitoring by visiting our legislation tracker. Below is an abridged list of relevant federal policy areas.

  • Medicare & Medicare Advantage
  • Medicaid
  • Review Choice Demonstration
  • Telehealth

State Policy Issues

Every year, the Florida Legislature meets for 60 consecutive days. Every odd-numbered year, the legislature convenes on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in March, and every even-numbered year on the second Tuesday following the first Monday in January. You can view the state legislation that we are monitoring by visiting our legislation tracker. Below is an abridged list of relevant state policy areas.

  • Medicaid
  • Licensure
  • Electronic Visit Verification
  • Telehealth

Advocacy Programs

Legislative Action Center

The Legislative Action Center is an online advocacy tool that enables advocates to communicate with their elected officials concerning policies affecting the provider community and their patients. The Legislative Action Center also provides advocates with information on upcoming elections, recent legislative votes, and opportunities to raise public awareness through media outreach.

Legislation Tracker

Explore HCAF's Legislation Tracker for an up-to-date listing of federal and state legislation actively monitored by our policy team. This real-time resource is available year-round. We invite you to bookmark this page to stay well-informed about upcoming policy developments.

Political Action Committee

The Home Care Political Action Committee (PAC) boosts the Florida home care industry's political influence by supporting candidates running for elected office in Tallahassee. Elevate the impact of your profession by making a valuable investment in its future — contribute today!

Advocacy Days

Advocacy events are held each year during the annual legislative session in Tallahassee and at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. These events provide timely policy briefings and opportunities for face-to-face meetings with lawmakers and their staff. Additionally, HCAF coordinates office meetings with lawmakers and their staff across the state when the legislature is not in session and Washington is out of reach. Click here for tips on communicating effectively with lawmakers.

Hill-to-Home Visits

Through the Hill-to-Home program, elected officials can observe firsthand the high-quality and diverse health care and personal care services delivered in the home setting. If you're interested in hosting a home visit with your elected officials, please reach out to us. Your engagement can make a significant impact.

Legislative Advocate Award

The Home Care Legislative Advocate Award recognizes the exemplary service and commitment of state lawmakers to the Florida home care provider community, particularly in safeguarding access to home care. Award recipients are chosen by the Board of Directors and the Governmental Affairs Task Force after each legislative session.

In 2023, Representative Traci Koster (R-Tampa) received this prestigious accolade.

Resources

As part of our advocacy program, HCAF seeks to build a network of passionate and educated advocates. In order to make you feel empowered in your profession and your industry, we aim to remove boundaries and create easy avenues for participation and engagement. Below are some resources that can assist you in becoming an effective advocate.

For additional information or to report a website bug, broken link, or inaccuracy, please send us a message or call (850) 222-8967.