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Challenges in the ADULT DAY CARE industry
BY: DIANA BELLO ARISTIZABAL
“Senior adults are the future because that’s what we are all going to be. For this reason, we must protect them by changing the system,” Miami-Dade County Commissioner, Rene Garcia, said at the most recent healthcare forum organized by Doral Family Journal that took place in July at Miami Dade College’ West Campus.
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During the event, healthcare professionals, state and county leaders, Doral elected officials, Adult Day Care providers, and residents gathered to discuss the challenges that the industry faces under a changing economy and a system with glitches.
“Adult Day Care programs make it possible for their relatives to go to work with peace of mind. This is a non-profit business for which we hope to be eventually recognized,” said moderator and Board of Directors’ Vice President of Florida Adult Day Services Association (FADSA), Jason Abdala.
“We offer a safe environment, and we save people a lot of money,” highlighted Abdala as other benefits of a segment that is not receiving enough economic input to compensate for the efforts made.
This sentiment was shared by the rest of the panelists. They are State Senator Ana Maria Rodríguez; State Representatives Alex Rizo, Alina Garcia and Juan Carlos Porras; Commissioner Rene Garcia; and government relations expert David T. Caserta.
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The main problem that was discussed at the event is the economic impact that Adult Day Care providers are suffering, especially due to the difference that exists between what each
FORO DE SALUD DE DORAL FAMILY JOURNAL:
MCO (Managed Care Organization) offers.
“Even if each provider receives a different reimbursement rate, it is still expected for us all to continue having the same level of service. There is a disconnection here because there can be a difference between one and the other of up to 62%,” said Jason Abdala.
In this regard, state representative, Alex Rizo, stated the most reasonable solution is to come up with a set fee schedule, while representative, Juan Carlos Porras, stressed the importance of
