OCALA, FL (352today.com) – On July 1, 2025, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved year five of a special non-ad valorem assessment designed to boost Medicaid-related funding for local hospitals. The measure, which passed 5-0, also included a resolution to authorize a new assessment supporting hospital services moving forward.

No Impact on Individual Property Owners

The assessment applies only to hospitals and does not affect individual property owners or residents. Instead, it’s aimed at enhancing hospital reimbursements for care provided to Medicaid recipients and uninsured patients in Marion County.

County Attorney Guy Minter explained that recent developments in the federal budget process created a narrow window for local hospitals to secure increased Medicaid funding before potential limitations took effect.

“There were some things going on with the Federal budget process this year that raised some concerns,” Minter said. “If the hospitals didn’t take advantage of an opportunity to increase the amount of the assessment within the current limits, they might be frozen in place… That’s the purpose of this resolution.”

Improving Access to Critical Care

Hospital leaders emphasized how the program directly supports access to medical care for the county’s most vulnerable residents.

Erika Skula, President and CEO of AdventHealth Ocala, voiced strong support for the resolution.

“This program generates critically needed funds to support hospitals in Marion County,” said Skula. “It provides all hospitals with the ability to continue delivering high quality care especially to our most vulnerable and underserved residents.”

She praised the Board’s leadership and the county’s ongoing commitment to the initiative.

Real-Life Impact in the Community

Alan Keesee, CEO of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, shared a personal example of the program’s effect.

“One patient I know… fell off his horse, had multiple rib fractures and spinal surgeries,” Keesee said. “Without access through this tax mechanism, he would’ve been unfunded and uninsured. But because of this, he was able to receive treatment with no direct impact to himself.”

Keesee added, “This is not only important to the hospital as a whole, but it’s important to individuals who live in our community.”

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