Vocational Rehabilitation Financial Impact. Florida APSE (Association for People Supporting Employment First) recently surveyed providers asking them to quantify the financial impact of technical issues from the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) system migration on employment service providers. Approximately 26 providers participated (out of 410 approved providers statewide). 50% of providers were missing payment for services dating back to May 2023. VR’s provider portal went live on August 31 and the total dollar amount of payments processed and paid was only $334,726.32 compared to $6,187,628.58 in outstanding invoices to date. Many providers are decreasing clients (92% of those surveyed) with others citing staff layoffs, furloughs, and team members leaving the field of disability employment, as well as some providers closing their doors. The Arc of Florida surveyed its chapters and colleagues to gain a better understanding on the financial impact of Vocational Rehabilitation. Of those surveyed, an average of $80,093 was owed in back payments within the last six months with a few chapters owed $210,000+. Most notably, the financial strain has provided cash flow issues with agencies paying bills and serving clients without reimbursement. Many have depleted savings in order to meet payroll expenses.
What Might Have Been. A review of State spending allows us to see if money was used in a manner consistent with the Legislature’s goals. What we found is heartbreaking for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Hundreds of millions of dollars went unspent over the past two years when it could have been used to help those both on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Medicaid iBudget Waiver and the Waiting List. APD failed to spend $59.1 million of General Revenue funds appropriated by the Legislature for iBudget Waiver services in FY 22-23. These funds would have earned Federal matching funds of $98.6 million, for a total of $157.7 million that could have been used to serve those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. See what other MONIES COULD HAVE BEEN SPENT.

The sad irony of this situation is that while APD left dollars unspent, service providers are running deficits each month and are managing programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the same time they manage deficits. A RECENT SURVEY of providers showed that 38% of providers have reduced services this year, often as a result of not being able to recruit staff or not receiving referrals from APD, and 28% of providers are considering further reductions next year.

The facts present a disturbing picture of what might have been if funds appropriated by the Legislature were spent as intended. Without a significant rate increase this year, providers of services are facing significant challenges to maintain their current levels of service. Many providers report having the capacity to serve more individuals if only they could pay competitive wages to recruit and maintain staff, cover their operating costs, and get appropriate referrals from APD. Yet the Waiting List for services continues to grow and families are desperate for relief. Let’s not look back next year and, once again, talk about what might have been. Clients are not receiving services and our provider network is standing on shaky ground while hundreds of millions of dollars go unspent. Write, call, or talk to your local delegation members and let them hear your voice.
Thank you for your advocacy! If you want additional information regarding this issues, please contact our CEO Alan Abramowitz at alan@arcflorida.org or 850.241.3232.