SUBJECT
title
SET PUBLIC HEARING to consider adoption of an Assessment Resolution and Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll pursuant to Ord. 2022-029, the Polk County Local Provider Participation Fund Ordinance. (Suggested hearing date is September 20, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.)
body
DESCRIPTION
On May 3, 2022, the Board adopted Ordinance 2022-029 establishing the Polk County Local Provider Participation Fund. Pursuant to such ordinance, the Board may annually adopt an Assessment Resolution setting the Assessment amounts that in the aggregate will generate sufficient revenue to fund the non-federal share of Medicaid payments associated with Local Services to be funded by the Assessment.
There are five area hospitals located in Polk County (all private, non-profit organizations): Winter Haven Hospital and Bartow Regional Medical Center (both operated by BayCare), Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center and Lake Wales Hospital (both operated by AdventHealth), and Lakeland Regional Health. These hospitals provide medical care annually to uninsured residents and those who qualify for Medicaid. On average, Medicaid covers only 61% of the costs of the health care services actually provided by area hospitals. The State of Florida received federal authority to establish the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Hospital directed payment program to offset the hospitals' uncompensated Medicaid costs.
Each of the five area hospitals referenced above have requested that the County impose a non-ad valorem special assessment upon certain real property interests held by the respective hospitals to help finance the non-federal share of the State's Medicaid program. The special assessment would only be imposed upon the five hospitals located in Polk County, as listed above. In order to impose and collect the special assessment, as requested by the hospitals, and pursuant to the procedures set forth in Ordinance 2022-029, the Board must adopt an Assessment Resolution and Non-Ad Valorem Asse...
Click here for full text