Loading...
Agenda 06/24/2025 Item #16D6 (Resolution for Continued Participation in Local Provider Participation Fund for Directed Payment and Graduate Medical Education Programs (1.74% Inpatient, 2.81% Outpatient Revenue Assessments))6/24/2025 Item # 16.D.6 ID# 2025-2030 Executive Summary Recommendation to approve a Resolution to authorize continued participation in the Local Provider Participation Fund for the Directed Payment Program and Graduate Medical Education Program, which will be solely funded by assessments on Collier County hospital-owned property or property used as a hospital in an amount of 1.74% of net inpatient revenue and 2.81% of net outpatient revenue. OBJECTIVE: To enact a resolution in support of area hospitals that provide health services to the low-income citizens of Collier County and provide training to medical professionals to advance Collier County’s strategic objective of supporting access to health, wellness, and human services. CONSIDERATIONS: The County has been a long-standing participant in the Florida Agency’s for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Intergovernmental Transfer Program (IGT). A hospital focused program was established by the Florida Legislature in FY21. To participate, counties assess hospitals and place funds into a Local Provider Participation Fund (LPPF). Collier’s LPPF funds both the Directed Payment Program (DPP) and the Graduate Medical Education Program (GME). Nationwide, and especially in Florida, hospitals continue to struggle with the shortfall in Medicaid reimbursement rates. Hospitals in Collier County provide millions of dollars of care to county residents who qualify for Medicaid annually. As a direct result of continued revenue shortfalls created by the Medicaid reimbursement rates, during the FY21 Florida Legislative session, Governor DeSantis, with the full support of the House and Senate, approved the establishment of the DPP. This program is available to hospitals providing inpatient and outpatient services to Medicaid-managed care enrollees. It is the intent of the DPP to offset hospitals’ Medicaid shortfalls and improve the quality of care provided to the Florida Medicaid population. On June 22, 2021, the Board adopted Ordinance 2021-23, enabling the County to levy a uniform non-ad valorem special assessment, which is fairly and reasonably apportioned among the hospitals’ property interests within the County’s jurisdictional limits, for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a system of funding for IGTs to support the non- federal share of Medicaid payments. As a result, through the DPP, Collier allows its hospitals access to a pool of dollars dedicated to one primary aim: increasing the rate of reimbursement for inpatient and outpatient Medicaid services while improving quality. The result has been an increase in reimbursement up from 60 cents to about 80 cents per dollar of cost. On May 22, 2025, the United States House of Representatives adopted a budget bill, officially known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” This bill includes several proposals that affect how states administer their Medicaid programs. Two components have an immediate effect for Florida’s hospitals: a cap on the pool size for Florida’s DPP and a ‘freeze’ on provider tax rates. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act stops states from pursuing a pool size at average commercial rate if they have not already done so by the Beautiful Bill’s adoption. As a result, Florida faces an ultimatum: either seek approval for the higher pool size now or lose the option forever. Florida accepted the invitation. The state is now asking the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for approval for a pool size that would allow Florida’s hospitals up to about 80% of what commercial insurers would pay for the services that they render to patients on Medicaid. The state is requiring hospitals to use their local assessments to put up the additional state-share dollars needed to bring in the new federal match. If the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is passed as is, the bill would freeze provider tax/assessment rates where they are at the time of its adoption. Current federal law and regulations allow states to tax or assess up to 6% of the hospital net patient revenues (as measured statewide, not jurisdiction by jurisdiction) to make up the state share of Medicaid funding. Given the One Big Beautiful Bill’s ultimatum on pool size, Florida is now pursuing a higher reimbursement program. Florida is calling on hospitals to fund the state share need. Absent any action, if the Beautiful Bill is adopted, Florida’s hospitals would be forever locked in at the 3.5% rate. Florida’s hospitals would lose the opportunity to use their own dollars to unlock available federal match for higher Medicaid reimbursement. To prevent this possibility, hospitals across Florida are asking their local governments to step in and set a rate now that will forever preserve Florida’s ability to use hospital dollars to unlock federal match. The goal is for all new rates to together approach the 6% statewide provider tax/assessment target. As such, hospitals are asking each local government in Florida to adopt a hospital assessment rate in June or early July Page 2393 of 3580 6/24/2025 Item # 16.D.6 ID# 2025-2030 that places them where they need to be at the time of the freeze to maximize federal assistance. Adoption of this higher rate ensures Florida’s hospitals will not lose their opportunity to benefit from available federal dollars. Staff has addressed this with each hospital and they have stated they support higher assessments to draw down the federal match as provided in federal regulations. The County will impose a non-ad valorem assessment upon real property owned or used by the hospitals. The proposed resolution will enable the County to levy a uniform non-ad valorem special assessment in compliance with 42 C.F.R. 433.68(d). The assessment shall be fairly and reasonably apportioned among each of the hospital’s properties within the County limits. Annually, the Board sets the assessment in 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. The assessment shall constitute a lien upon the assessed properties. Revenue generated by the proposed assessment shall be held in a separate account called the Local Provider Participation Fund (LPPF) and will be used only to: (1) provide the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration the non-federal share for Medicaid payments to be made directly or indirectly in support of hospitals serving Medicaid beneficiaries and (2) reimburse the County for administrative costs associated with the implementation of the assessment authorized by the Ordinance, as further specified in the resolution. At the recommendation of the hospitals, the Local Provider Participation Fund Special assessment for FY 2025 will be 1.74% of net patient revenue and 2.81% of net outpatient revenue from participating hospitals. This, plus any carryforward balance from prior LPPF special assessments, less $150,000 in administrative expenses, will be submitted to AHCA. Budget Amendments will be presented to the Board in September along with the DPP and GME Letters of Agreement between Collier County and AHCA permitting an IGT. If at the end of the Fiscal Year, additional amounts remain in the LPPF, the Board is authorized to roll funds over to or make a refund to assessed properties in proportion to amounts paid during the Fiscal Year. Pursuant to section 197.3631, Florida Statutes, the alternative method of collection shall not require the tax collector or property appraiser to perform those services as provided for in sections 197.3632 and 197.3635, Florida Statutes. If this item is approved, the Tax Collector and Property Appraiser have no responsibilities under the alternative assessment process that is proposed. Both offices have expressed that they have no objection to the County’s participation in the program. Advances Collier County’s strategic objective of supporting access to health, wellness, and human services. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact at this time. Funding for LPPF is housed in the Local Provider Participation Fund (1130); Cost Center 155941. A budget amendment will be prepared and submitted in September with the DPP and GME Letters of Agreement between Collier County and AHCA. GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no Growth Management impact. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved as to form and legality and requires a majority vote for Board action. -JAK RECOMMENDATIONS: To approve a Resolution to authorize continued participation in the Local Provider Participation Fund for the Directed Payment Program and Graduate Medical Education Program, which will be solely funded by assessments on Collier County hospital-owned property or property used as a hospital in an amount of 1.74% of net inpatient revenue and 2.81% of net outpatient revenue. Page 2394 of 3580 6/24/2025 Item # 16.D.6 ID# 2025-2030 PREPARED BY: Carolyn Noble ATTACHMENTS: 1. ordinance 2021-23 2. LPPF Resolution - Special Assessment CAO appvd 6.18.25 Page 2395 of 3580 ORDINANCE NO.2021- 9 3 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY,FLORIDA,TO BE CODIFIED IN CHAPTER 114 AS ARTICLE VI OF THE COLLIER COUNTY CODE OF LAWS AND ORDINANCES AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF THE COLLIER COUNTY LOCAL PROVIDER PARTICIPATION FUND ("FUND") UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF SECTION 1(F), ARTICLE VIII OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA SPECIFYING THE METHOD OF SETTING AND COMPUTING ANNUAL NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS TO BE DEPOSITED INTO THE FUND AND SPECIFYING AUTHORIZED USES FOR THE FUND; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE OF LAWS AND ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF JULY 1, 2021 UNLESS THE ENABLING LEGISLATION IS NOT APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA. RECITALS: WHEREAS, the hospitals in Collier County's jurisdiction (the "Hospitals") annually provide millions of dollars of uncompensated care to persons who qualify for Medicaid because Medicaid,on average, covers only 60%of the costs of the health care services actually provided by Hospitals to Medicaid eligible persons, leaving hospitals with significant uncompensated costs("Medicaid shortfall");and WHEREAS, the State of Florida(the"State")has received federal authority to establish the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care hospital directed payment program (the"DPP") to offset hospitals' Medicaid shortfall and improve quality of care provided to Florida's Medicaid population;and WHEREAS,impacted Hospitals have asked Collier County (the"County")to impose an assessment upon certain real property owned by the Hospitals to help finance the non-federal share of the State's Medicaid program; and WHEREAS, the only properties to be assessed in these localities are the real property sites of such Hospitals;and WHEREAS, the County recognizes that one or more Hospitals within the County's boundaries may be located upon real property leased from governmental entities and that such Hospitals may be assessed because courts do not make distinctions on the application of special assessments based on "property interests" but rather on the distinction of the classifications of real property being assessed;and Page l of 10 Page 2396 of 3580 WHEREAS, the funding raised by the County assessment will, through intergovernmental transfers ("IGTs") provided consistent with federal guidelines, support additional funding for Medicaid payments to Hospitals to address the Medicaid shortfall;and WHEREAS, the County acknowledges that the Hospital properties assessed will benefit directly and especially from the assessment as a result of the above-described additional funding provided to said Hospitals;and WHEREAS, the County has determined that a logical relationship exists between the Medicaid services provided by the Hospitals,which will be supported by the assessment,and the special and particular benefit to the real property of the Hospitals;and WHEREAS, the County has an interest in promoting access to health care for its low- income and under-insured residents;and WHEREAS, leveraging additional federal support through the above-described IGTs to fund payments to the Hospitals for health care services provided to Medicaid eligible persons directly and specifically benefits the Hospitals' properties and supports their continued ability to provide those services;and WHEREAS, imposing an assessment limited to Hospital properties to help fund the provision of Medicaid services and the achievement of certain quality standards by the Hospitals to residents of the County is a valid public purpose that benefits the health, safety,and welfare of the citizens of the County;and WHEREAS, the assessment ensures the financial stability and viability of the Hospitals providing Medicaid services;and WHEREAS, the Hospitals are important contributors to the overall County's economy, and the financial benefit to these Hospitals directly and specifically supports their mission, as well as their ability to grow, expand, and maintain their facilities in concert with the population growth in the jurisdiction of the County; and WHEREAS,the County finds the assessment will enhance the Hospitals' ability to grow, expand, maintain, improve and increase the value of their properties and facilities under all present circumstances and those of the foreseeable future;and WHEREAS, the County is proposing a properly apportioned assessment by which all Hospitals will be assessed a uniform amount that is compliant with 42 C.F.R. §433.68(d);and WHEREAS, the adoption of this Ordinance will enable the County to levy a uniform non-ad valorem special assessment, which is fairly and reasonably apportioned among the Hospitals' properties within the County's jurisdictional limits,to establish and maintain a system of funding for IGTs to support the non-federal share of Medicaid payments that will directly and specially benefit Hospital properties. Page 2 of 10 1 0 Page 2397 of 3580 WHEREAS, for the first year of the assessment the County finds that the alternative method, as specified in § 197.3631, Fla. Stat., for the assessment and collection of the non-ad valorem special assessment is appropriate but in future tax years may elect to use the uniform method if approved by the Board. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY,FLORIDA,that: SECTION 1. Chapter 126 of the Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances, is hereby amended,by adding a new Article VI as follows: Sec. 126-211. -Title This Article VI shall be known and may be cited as the "Collier County Local Provider Participation Fund Ordinance." Sec. 126-212.-Authority. Pursuant to Article VIII, Section 1(0 of the Constitution of the State of Florida and Florida Statutes 125, the Board is hereby authorized to impose a special assessment against private for- profit and not-for-profit hospitals located within the County to fund the non-federal share of Medicaid payments associated with Local Services. Sec. 126-213.-Purpose. The non-ad valorem special assessment authorized by this Article shall be imposed, levied, collected,and enforced against Assessed Properties located within the County.Proceeds from the Assessment shall be used to benefit Assessed Properties through enhanced Medicaid payments for Local Services. When imposed, the Assessment shall constitute a lien upon the Assessed Properties equal in rank and dignity with the liens of all state,county,district,or municipal taxes and other non-ad valorem assessments. Failure to pay may cause foreclosure proceedings, which could result in loss of title, to commence. The Assessment shall be computed and assessed only in the manner provided in this Ordinance. Sec. 126-214. -Alternative Method. This Ordinance shall be deemed to provide an additional and alternative method, as specified in 197.3631, Fla. Stat., for the assessment and collection of the non-ad valorem special assessment described herein. The Ordinance shall be regarded as supplemental and additional to powers conferred by other laws and shall not be regarded as in derogation of any powers now existing or which may exist hereafter.This Ordinance,being necessary for the health,safety,and welfare of the inhabitants of the County, shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes hereof. Sec. 126-215. -Definitions. Page 3 of 10 Page 2398 of 3580 When used in this Ordinance, the following terms shall have the meanings below, unless the context clearly requires otherwise: Annual Final Assessment Resolution means the resolution described in Sections 126-224 and 126-225 hereof, which shall be the final proceeding for the imposition of an Assessment, establishing the rate for the non-ad valorem assessment for a specific Fiscal Year. Assessed Property means an Institutional Health Care Provider holding a right of possession and right of use of real property in the County through an ownership or leasehold interest,thus making the property subject to the Assessment. Assessment means a non-ad valorem special assessment imposed by the County on Institutional Health Care Providers located in the County limits to fund the non-federal share of Medicaid and Medicaid managed care payments directed to hospitals providing Local Services in the County. Assessment Coordinator means the person appointed by the County Manager or designee to administer the Assessment imposed pursuant to this Article,or such person's designee. Assessment Resolution means the resolution described in Section 126-219 hereof. Board means the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County,Florida. County means Collier County,Florida. Fiscal Year means the period commencing on October 1 of each year and continuing through the next succeeding September 30, or such other period as may be prescribed by law as the fiscal year for the County. Institutional Health Care Provider means a private for-profit or not-for-profit hospital that provides inpatient hospital services. Local Services means the provision of inpatient and outpatient hospital services to Medicaid,indigent,and uninsured members of the Collier County community. Non Ad Valorem Assessment Roll means the special assessment roll prepared by the County. Ordinance means the Collier County Local Provider Participation Fund Ordinance as it may be codified in Chapter 114 as Article VI in the Collier County Code of Laws and Ordinances. Tax Collector means the Collier County Tax Collector. Page 4 of 10 I Page 2399 of 3580 Sec. 126-216.-Interpretation. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms "hereof," "hereby," "herein," "hereto," hereunder"and similar terms refer to this Article.The term"hereafter"means after and the term heretofore"means before the effective date of the Ordinance. Sec. 126-217. -Assessment. Pursuant to § 125.01, Fla. Stat., the Board is hereby authorized to create a non-ad valorem special assessment that shall be imposed, levied, collected, and enforced against Assessed Property to fund the non-federal share of Medicaid payments benefitting Assessed Properties providing Local Services in the County. Funds generated as a result of the Assessment shall be held in a separate account called the local provider participation fund and shall be available to be used only to: (1) provide to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration the non-federal share for Medicaid payments to be made directly or indirectly in support of hospitals serving Medicaid beneficiaries and (2)reimburse the County for administrative costs associated with the implementation of the Assessment authorized by this Ordinance, as further specified in the Assessment Resolution. The Assessment will be broad based, and the amount of the Assessment must be uniformly imposed on each Assessed Property. The Assessment may not hold harmless any Institutional Health Care Provider, as required under 42 U.S.C. § 1396b(w). As set forth in Section 126-213, the Assessment shall constitute a lien upon the Assessed Properties equal in rank and dignity with the liens of all state, county, district, or municipal taxes and other non-ad valorem assessments. In addition to other remedies available at law or equity, the enforcement of the aforesaid Assessment shall be at the same time and in like manner as ad valorem taxes and subject to all ad valorem tax enforcement procedures afforded to the official annual real property tax notice. Creation and implementation of the Assessment will not result in any additional pecuniary obligation on the County, Board,or County residents. The Assessment shall be imposed, levied, collected, and enforced against only Assessed Properties, and the Assessment Resolution shall provide that the County's administrative costs shall be reimbursed from the collected amounts. The County's administrative costs shall not exceed$150,000. Any reasonable expenses the County incurs to collect delinquent assessments, including any attorney's fees incurred as a result of contracting with an attorney to represent the county in seeking and enforcing the collection of delinquent assessments, are not subject to the limitation on administrative costs. Sec. 126-218.-Computation of Assessment. The annual Assessment shall be specified for each Assessed Property. The Board shall set the Assessment in 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. Page 5 of 10 Page 2400 of 3580 The amount of the Assessment required of each Assessed Property may not exceed an amount that,when added to the amount of other required assessments, equals an amount of revenue that exceeds the maximum percent of the aggregate net patient revenue of all Assessed Hospitals in the County permitted by 42 C.F.R. §433.68(f)(3)(i)(A).Assessments for each Assessed Property will be derived from data contained in the Florida Hospital Uniform Reporting System, as available from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Sec. 126-219. -Assessment Resolution. The Assessment Resolution shall describe: (a)the Medicaid payments proposed for funding from proceeds of the Assessment; (b) the benefits to the Assessment Properties associated with the Assessment; (c) the methodology for computing the assessed amounts; and (d) the method of collection,including how and when the Assessment must paid. Sec. 126-220.-Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll. The Assessment Coordinator shall prepare, or direct the preparation of, the Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll,which shall contain the following: a) The names of the Assessed Properties;and b) The Assessment rate and amount of the Assessment to be imposed against each Assessed Property based on the Assessment Resolution. The Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll shall be retained by the Assessment Coordinator and shall be open to public inspection. The foregoing shall not be construed to require that the Assessment Roll be in printed form if the amount of the Assessment for each Assessed Property can be determined by use of a computer terminal available to the public. Sec. 126-221. -Notice by Publication. Upon completion of the Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll, the Assessment Coordinator shall publish once in a newspaper of general circulation within the County a notice stating that theBoard, at a regular, adjourned, or special meeting on a certain day and hour, not earlier than 20 calendar days from such publication, will hear objections of all interested persons to approve the aforementioned Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll. Such notice shall include: a) The Assessment rate; b) The procedure for objecting to the Assessment rate; c) The method by which the Assessment will be collected;and d) A statement that the Non-Ad Valorem Special Assessment Roll is available for inspection at the Office of the Assessment Coordinator. Page 6 of 10 Page 2401 of 3580 Sec. 126-222.-Notice by Mail. In addition to the published notice required by Section 126-221, but only for the first fiscal year in which an Assessment is imposed by the Board against Assessed Properties, the Assessment Coordinator shall provide notice of the proposed Assessment by first class mail to the Assessed Properties. Such notice shall include: a) The purpose of the Assessment; b) The Assessment rate to be levied against each Assessed Property; c) The unit of measurement applied to determine the Assessment; d) The total revenue to be collected by the County from the Assessment; e) A statement that failure to pay the Assessment will cause a tax certificate to be issued against the property or foreclosure proceedings,either of which may result in a loss of title to the property; f) A statement that all affected and/or interested parties have a right to appear at the hearing and to file written objections with the Board within 20 days of the notice;and g) The date,time,and place of the hearing. Notice shall be mailed at least 20 calendar days prior to the hearing to each Assessed Property at such address as is shown on the Assessment Roll. Notice shall be deemed mailed upon delivery thereof to the possession of the United States Postal Service. The Assessment Coordinator may provide proof of such notice by affidavit. Failure of the Assessed Property to receive such notice, because of mistake or inadvertence, shall not affect the validity of the Assessment Roll or release or discharge any obligation for payment of the Assessment imposed by the Board pursuant to this Article. Sec. 126-223. -Adoption of Assessment Resolution and Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll. At the time named in the notice, the Board shall receive and consider any written objections of interested persons. All objections to the Assessment Resolution and Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll shall be made in writing and filed with the Assessment Coordinator at or before the time or adjourned time of such hearing. At the date and time named in the notice,the Board may adopt the Assessment Resolution and Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll which shall: a) Set the rate of the Assessment to be imposed; b) Approve the Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll,with such amendments as it deems just and right;and c) Affirm the method of collection. Page 7 of 10 rx J Page 2402 of 3580 Sec. 126-224.-Annual Final Assessment Resolution. The Board may revise the Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll during the Fiscal Year to modify the Assessment rate. However, the Board must adopt an Annual Final Assessment Resolution during the Fiscal Year to memorialize the final rate applicable for the Fiscal Year. Sec. 126-225.-Effect of Annual Final Assessment Resolution. The adoption of the Annual Final Assessment Resolution shall be the final adjudication of the issues presented(including,but not limited to, the method of apportionment and Assessment, the Assessment rate, the initial rate of Assessment, the Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll, and the levy and lien of the Assessments), unless proper steps shall be initiated in a court of competent jurisdiction to secure relief within 20 days from the date of Board action on the Annual Final Assessment Resolution. The Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll shall be delivered to the Tax Collector or such other official as the Board by resolution shall designate. Sec. 126-226. -Method of Collection. The amount of the assessment is to be collected pursuant to the Alternative Method, as specified in the Assessment Resolution. Sec. 126-227.-Refunds. If, at the end of the Fiscal Year, additional amounts remain in the local provider participation fund, the Board is hereby authorized to make refund to Assessed Properties in proportion to amounts paid in during the Fiscal Year for all or a portion of the unutilized local provider participation fund. Sec. 126-228.-Responsibility for Enforcement, The County and its agent, if any, shall maintain the duty to enforce the prompt collection of the Assessment by the means provided herein. The duties related to collection of assessments may be enforced at the suit of any holder of obligations in a court of competent jurisdiction by mandamus or other appropriate proceedings or actions. Sec. 126-229, -Correction of Errors and Omissions. No act of error or omission on the part of the Comptroller, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, Assessment Coordinator, Board, or their deputies or employees shall operate to release or discharge any obligation for payment of the Assessment imposed by the Board under the provision of this Chapter. Page 8oflO 0 Page 2403 of 3580 SECTION 2. APPLICABILITY. It is hereby intended that this Ordinance shall constitute a uniform Iaw applicable in all unincorporated areas of Collier County, Florida, and to all incorporated areas of Collier County where there is no existing conflict of law or municipal ordinance. SECTION 3. SEVERABILITY. In the event this Ordinance conflicts with any other Ordinance of Collier County or other applicable law, deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion. SECTION 4. RESOLUTION OF CONFLICT OF LAWS. In all instances where Florida law, as evidenced by the Florida Administrative Code, Florida Statutes, applicable case law, or otherwise mandates standards or requirements that are stricter than the provisions of this Ordinance, or where a matter is addressed by Florida law that is not addressed by this Ordinance, then said law shall govern. In situations where this Ordinance addresses a matter in a manner that is stricter than that of Florida law, the provisions of this Ordinance shall control. SECTION 5. INCLUSION IN THE COLLIER COUNTY CODE. The provisions of this Ordinance shall be included and incorporated in the Collier County Code, as an addition or amendment thereto, and shall be appropriately renumbered to conform to the uniform numbering system of the Collier County Code, once established. The word "ordinance" may be changed to "section," "article," or other appropriate word or phrase necessary to accomplish such intentions. SECTION 6. FILING OF ORDINANCE. In accordance with the provisions of§ 125.66,Fla. Stat.,a certified copy of this Ordinance shall be filed with the Florida Department of State. SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall become effective July 1, 2021 unless the enabling legislation is not approved by the Governor of the State of Florida. PASSED AND 13ULY ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida,this aorday of J u,ne, ,2021. Page 9 of 10 Page 2404 of 3580 ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CRYSTAL K KINZEL,CLERK COLLIER O Y, FLORIDA By—:)(By: DEPUT PENNY TAYL ,CHAIRP SON Attest as to Chaim an's •••. signature only. Approved as to form and legality: e i r A.Bel edio 1Jna p 5PAssistantCountyAtto I i This ordinance flied with t1'xs: Secr tort' of State's day of and acknowledgement of that filing received ihis day By Deouty C erk, Page 10 of 10 0G Page 2405 of 3580 r . FLORIDA DEPARTMENT Of STATE RON DESANTIS LAUREL M. LEE Governor Secretary of State July 1, 2021 Ms. Martha Vergara, BMR & VAB Senior Deputy Clerk Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court Comptroller of Collier County 3329 Tamiami Trail E, Suite#401 Naples, Florida 34112 Dear Ms. Vergara: Pursuant to the provisions of Section 125.66, Florida Statutes, this will acknowledge receipt of your electronic copy of Collier County Ordinance No. 2021- 23, which was filed in this office on July 1, 2021. Sincerely, Anya Grosenbaugh Program Administrator AG/lb R. A. Gray Building • 500 South Bronough Street • Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250 Telephone: (850) 245-6270 Page 2406 of 3580 RESOLUTION NO. # 2025- AN ASSESSMENT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AND ADOPTING A NON-AD VALOREM SPECIAL ASSESSMENT WITHIN THE COUNTY LIMITS FOR THF. PURPOSE OF BENEFITING ASSESSED PROPERTIES THROUGH ENHANCED MEDICAID PAYMENTS FOR LOCAL SERVICES; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY IS SPECIALLY BENEFITED BY THE ASSESSMENT; COLLECTING THE ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE REAL PROPERTY; ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER IMPOSITION OF THE PROPOSED ASSESSMENT AND THE METHOD OF ITS COLLECTION; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE PUBLICATION OF NOTICES IN CONNECTION THEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS AND DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY AS NECESSARY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, hospitals in Collier County's jurisdiction (the "Hospitals") annually provide millions of dollars of uncompensated care to uninsured persons and those who qualify for Medicaid hecause Medicaid, on average, covers only 60% of the costs of the health care services actuallv provided by Hospitals to Medicaid-eligible persons. leaving hospitals with significant uncomrcnsated costs; and WHEREAS, Hospitals in Collier County (the "County") support a non-ad valorcm specia! assessment upon certain real property interests held by the Hospitals to help finance the non- tederal share of the State's Medicaid program; and WHEREAS, the only real properties interests that will be subject to the non-ad valorcm assessments authorized herein are those belonging to the Hospitals; and WHEREAS, the County recognizes that one or more or the Hospitals within the County's boundaries may be located upon real proper1y leased from governmental entities and that such I lospitals may be assessed because courts do not make distinctions on the application of special assessments based on "property interests" but rather on the distinction of the classifications ofreal property being assessed; and WHEREAS, the funding raised by the County assessment will, through intergovernmental transfers ("lGTsr,) provided consistent with federal guidelines, support additional funding for Medicaid payments to Hospitals; and Page 2407 of 3580 WHEREAS, the County acknowledges that the Hospital properties assessed will have increased income potential directly and especially from the assessment as a result of the above- descri bed additional funding provided to said Hospitals: and WHEREAS, the County has detennincd that a logical relationship t:xists between the services provided by the Hospitals, which will be supported by the assessment, and the special and particular benefit to the real property of the Hospitals; and WHEREAS, the County has an interest in promoting access to health care for its low- income and uninsured residents; and WHEREAS, imposing an assessment limited to Hospital properties to help fund the provision of these services and the achievement of certain quality standards by the I Iospitals to residents of the County is a valid pub] ic purpose that benefits the health. safety, and we) fare of the citizens of the County; and WHEREAS, the assessment ensures the financial stability and viability of the Hospitals providing such services; and WHEREAS, the Hospitals are important contributors to the County's economy, and the financial benefit to these Hospitals directly and specifically supports their mission, as well as their ability to grow, expand, and maintain their facilities in concert with the population gro,.,vth in the jurisdiction of the County; and WHEREAS, the Board finds the assessment will enhance the Hospitals' ability to grow, expand, maintain. improve, and increase the value of their Collier County propc11ics and facilities under all present circumstances and those of the foreseeable future; and WHEREAS, the County is proposing a properly apportioned assessment by which all Hospitals will be assessed at a unifonn rate that is compliant with 42 C.F.R. § 433.68(d); and WHEREAS, on June 22, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance 2021-23. enabling the County to levy a unifonn non-ad valorem special assessment, which is fairly and reasonably apportioned among the Hospitals' property interests within the County's jurisdictional limits, to establish and maintain a s:ystem of funding for IGTs to support the non- federal share of Medicaid payments, thus directly and specially benefitting Hospital properties. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COU NTY COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, that: Section I. Definitions. As used in this Resolution, the following capitalized terms, Page 2408 of 3580 not otherwise defined herein or in the Ordinance. shall have the meanings below, unless the context otherwise requires. Assessed Property means the real property in the County to which an Institutional Health Care Provider holds a right of possession and right of use through an ownership or leasehold interest, thus making the property subject to the Assessment. Assessment means a non-ad valorem special assessment imposed by the County on Assessed Property to fund the non-federal share of Medicaid and Medicaid managed care payments that will benefit hospitals providing Local Services in the County. Assessment Coordinator means the person appointed to administer the Assessment imposed pursuant to this Article, or such person's designee. Board means the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida. Comptroller means the Collier County Comptroller, ex officio Clerk to the Board, or other such person as may be duly authorized to act on such person's behalf. County means Collier County, Florida. Fiscal Year means the period commencing on October 1 of each year and continuing through the next succeeding September 30, or such other period as may be prescribed by law as the fiscal year for the County. Institutional Health Care Provider means a private for-profit or not-for-profit hospital that provides inpatient hospital services. local Services means the provision of health care services to Medicaid, indigent, and uninsured members of the Collier County community. Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll means the special assessment roll prepared by the County . Page 2409 of 3580 Ordinance means the Collier County Local Provider Participation Fund Ordinance codified m Chapter 126 of the Collier County Code of Ordinances. Tux Collector means the Collier County Tax Collector. Section 2. Authority. Pursuant to Article VIIL Section !(f) of the Constitution of the State of Florida, Chapter 125 of the Florida Statutes, and the Collier County Local Provider Participation fund Ordinance, the Board is hereby authorized to impose a special assessment against private for- profit and not-for-profit hospitals located within the County to fund the non-federal share of Medicaid payments associated with Local Services. Section 3. Specia l Assessme nt. The non-ad valorem special assessment discussed herein shall be imposed, levied, collected, and enforced against Assessed Properties located within the County. Proceeds from the Assessment shall be used to benefit Assessed Properties through enhanced Medicaid payments from programs, including the hospital directed payment program and graduate medical education program, that will benefit the Assessed Properties for Local Services. When imposed, the Assessment shall constitute a lien upon the Assessed Properties owned by Hospitals and/or a lien upon improvements on the Property made by Hospital leaseholders equal in rank and dignity with the liens of all state, county, district, or municipal taxes and other non-ad valorem assessments. Payments made hy Assessed Properties may not be passed along to patients of the Assessed Property as a surcharge or as any other form of additional patient charge. Failure to pay may cause foreclosure proceedings, which could result in loss of title. to commence. Section 4. shall be used only to: A ssessme nt Scope, Basis, and Use. Funds generated from the Assessment 1. Provide to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration the non-federal share for Medicaid payments, including the hospital directed payment program and graduate medical education program, to be made directly or indirectly in support of hospitals serving Medicaid beneficiaries: and 2 . Reimburse the County for administrative costs associated with the implementation of the Assessment authorized by the Ordinance. Page 2410 of 3580 If, at the end of the Fiscal Year, additional amounts remain in the local provider participation fund, the Board is hereby authorized either (a) to refund to Assessed Properties, in proportion to amounts paid in during the Fiscal Year, all or a portion of the unutilized local provider participation fund, or (b) to retain such amounts in the fund to transfer to the Agency in the next fiscal year for use as the non-federal share of Medicaid hospital payments. If, after the Assessment funds are transferred to the Agency, the Agency returns some or all of the transferred funding to the County (including, but not limited to, a return of the non-federal share after a disallowance of matching federal funds), the Board is hereby authorized to refund to Assessed Properties, in proportion to amounts paid in during the Fiscal Year, the amount of such returned funds. Section 5. Computation of Assessment, The Assessment shall equal 1.74% of net patient revenue for each Assessed Property specified in the attached Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll. The amount of the Assessment required of each Assessed Property may not exceed an amount that, when added to the amount of other hospital assessments levied by the state or local government, exceeds the maximum percent of the aggregate net patient revenue of all Assessed Hospitals in the County permitted by 42 C.F.R. § 433.68(f)(3)(i)(A). Assessments for each Assessed Property vvill be derived from data contained in cost reports and/or in the Florida Hospital Uniforrn Reporting System, as available from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Section 6. Timing and Method of Collection. The amount of the assessment is to be collected pursuant to the Alternative Method outlined in § 197.3631, Fla. Stat. The County shall provide Assessment bills by first class mail to the owner of each affected I lospital. The bill or accompanying explanatory material shal I include: (I) a reference to this Resolution, (2) the total amount of the hospital's Assessment for the appropriate period, (3) the location at which payment will be accepted, ( 4) the date on which the Assessment is due, and ( 5) a statement that the Assessment constitutes a lien against assessed property and/or improvements equal in rank and dignity with the liens of all state, county, district or municipal taxes and other non-ad valorem assessments. No act of error or omission on the part of the Comptroller. Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, Assessment Coordinator, Board, or their deputies or employees shall operate to release or Page 2411 of 3580 discharge any obligation for payment of the Assessment imposed by the Board under the Ordinance and this resolution. Section 7. Publi c Heari ng. Per the notice provided on June 3, 2025 , the Board has heard and considered objections of all interested persons prior to rendering a decision on the Assessment and attached Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Ro ll. Section 8. Respon s ib ili ty for Enforcement. The Coun ty and its agent, if any, shall maintain the duty to enforce the prompt collection of the Assessment by the means provided herein. The duties related to collection of assessments may be enforced at the suit of any holder of obligations in a court of competent jurisdiction by mandamu s or other approp1iate proceedings or actions. Section 9. Severability. If any clause, section, or provision of this re so lution is declared unconstitutional or invalid for any reason or cause, the remaining portion hereof shall be in full force and effect and shall be valid as if such in valid portion thereof had not been incorporated herein. Section JO. Effective Date. This Resolution shall become effective upon ad o ption by a majority vote of the Board of County Commissioners. This Re solution adopted by the Board this __ day of ______ 2025, aft er motion, second and majority vote favoring same. ATTEST: CRYSTAL K. KINZEL, CLERK , Deputy Clerk and legality: ty Attorney AS TO COUNTY: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERSCOLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA By: -------------Bu rt L. Saunders, Chairperson Date: ----------- Page 2412 of 3580