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Committee backs measures to shore up NICA funding; families testify about care needs
Summary
HB1291 would add automatic solvency triggers and funding mechanisms for the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) to avoid cutting benefits; sponsors said the bill increases access to trust funds and allows targeted assessments while preserving benefits. Parents testified about lifelong care needs.
Representative Anderson told the committee HB1291 aims to modernize funding and set explicit, repeatable triggers to preserve the NICA program, which provides lifetime benefits to infants who sustain qualifying birth-related neurological injuries.
"Without legislative action, NICA projects that it could drop below what's currently considered actuarial sound in the 2027, 2028 fiscal year," Anderson said, summarizing actuarial pressures from rising costs and longer life expectancies. Anderson said the bill gives regulators authority to access more from the insurance regulatory trust fund (raising available draws from $20 million to $50 million), authorize assessments on casualty insurers, and trigger provider assessments if necessary—measures meant to avoid cutting benefits.
Carter Scott of the Florida Justice Association, speaking for information only, warned lawmakers that solvency could be restored in different ways—changing actuarial definitions or reducing benefits would harm families; he urged increasing assessments on providers who receive immunity under the statute. Renee Oliver, a NICA board member and mother of a participant, gave extended testimony detailing her son's complex, lifelong medical needs and urged lawmakers not to reduce services that sustain life and dignity.
Anderson closed by highlighting an average claim of about $5.5 million today and asking for favorable support. After public testimony and sponsor remarks, the committee called the roll and reported HB1291 favorably.
