FL hospitals face big cuts in funding fight

More than $142 million in funding could be cut from Central Florida hospitals next year if the state and federal government don't agree to extend a program that pays for the care of low-income and uninsured patients. Statewide, hospitals could lose $2.2 billion if the Low Income Pool program, or LIP, is not extended before it expires June 30, potentially putting a significant hole in the state budget. Gov. Rick Scott's $77 billion budget recommendation to lawmakers last month included the funding. Florida Hospital stands to lose the most in the Orlando area, with nearly $64.9 million that could be cut, according to the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, an advocacy group for 14 hospitals in the state. Orlando Health could see a cut of nearly $40 million.