budget

The legislative session was highlighted by "Live Healthy" and other health projects. When the $116.5 billion budget was unveiled, it included big numbers for expectant moms, kids, mental health and cancer research.

Epilepsy services are set to see their first stable source of funding from the state. The money is included in the Legislature’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Under the bill, the pilot program will be created in Miami-Dade, Monroe, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee and Polk counties.

The bulk of the cancer-related funding — roughly $111.6 million — will go toward the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program. A quick look at the winners and losers among health initiatives.

Three groups filed a lawsuit after lawmakers approved directing money to AHCA to adjust reimbursement rates so Medicaid providers would pay at least $15 an hour to direct-care employees.

Health care-related measures in the proposal are targeted to combat the opioid epidemic, boost mental health programs and assist the elderly, veterans and people with disabilities.

Speaking at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, where she’s undergoing cancer treatment, first lady Casey DeSantis said funds would go to Moffitt, the Sylvester center in Miami and UF Health Cancer Center.

The Department of Health plan calls for a “three-pronged strategy” to attack the pandemic, including funding for testing, support staff and a media marketing campaign.

Advocates for poor, elderly and disabled individuals, who have been pressing the DeSantis administration to leverage the additional funding since spring, hailed the plan.

The governor said the federal money had strings attached that made it unusable for the proposed emergency fund.