West Volusia Hospital Authority Submits Payment to Volusia County After Court Rulings Require it to Meet Financial Obligation

Posted On: November 9, 2023

Following two years of legal proceedings and decisive legal rulings by a trial court and the Fifth District Court of Appeal, the West Volusia Hospital Authority (WVHA) has submitted a $2,543,978.03 payment to Volusia County for its share of the 2022-2023 Medicaid contribution.

"The WVHA payment underscores the importance of shared responsibilities in healthcare funding," said County Attorney Mike Dyer. "We remain vigilant and ready to enforce the fiscal duties owed to our taxpayers and residents in need of healthcare."

WVHA's recent payment follows a period of legal proceedings where WVHA challenged its obligation to contribute to Medicaid costs for the past two fiscal years. The County contended that Medicaid users reside within WVHA's jurisdiction, just like they do in the other districts, and WVHA is obligated to ensure their residents have available healthcare services.

Medicaid offers vital health coverage to those in need, with costs shared by the federal government and the states. The State of Florida requires each county to contribute to its Medicaid expenses. In Volusia County, these expenses are apportioned among the County and its three hospital districts, including WVHA. This long-standing statutorily approved practice helps ensure fair and equitable contributions toward the community's healthcare needs.

The three hospital districts each collect their own taxes to help secure medical care for those living within their districts. When one district refuses to pay for Medicaid, the County is forced to make up the difference, with taxpayers in the other two districts bearing a disproportionate burden. While the payment has been made, there is still an active legal issue between Volusia County and WVHA that is yet to be resolved.

Volusia County has recouped close to $5 million from WVHA as a result of these legal endeavors. The County's focus now shifts to ensure it receives the upcoming 2023-2024 payment from WVHA. The County is prepared to pursue all necessary legal routes to secure compliance.