Future of CHOICES money still uncertain

As the funding for the CHOICES program approaches on Dec. 31, the Alachua County Commission continues to struggle to decide the future of the program.

“We’ve changed this program so many times, and it sounds like it’s going to have to be changed again,” said Commissioner Lee Pinkoson.

The sales tax surcharge that helps fund the program sunsets at the end of this year. The commission felt it wasn’t ready during Tuesday’s commission meeting to decide what should be done with the remaining funds.

Commissioner Susan Baird suggested an end be put to the program and ask voters how to reallocate the remaining CHOICES money. Doing this would be legal but would require a lengthy process.

The commission instructed staff to return with the issue after finding out how other county health departments would use the money if it were allocated to them.

The commission did vote to allow Santa Fe College students who meet the rest of the eligibility requirements to be eligible for the program.

In the past, these students were eligible for CHOICES but the commission voted on September of last year that people with access to student health care services be excluded from the program.

The commission decided to allow Santa Fe students to participate in CHOICES because, unlike the University of Florida, Santa Fe only provides basic health care services. Also, a large percentage of its students are Alachua County residents who are expected to remain in the county upon graduation.