The STORIES
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, states were provided with significant additional federal funding in order to continue the Medicaid coverage of individuals enrolled in the program. As a result, since March 2020, approximately a million Floridians who are no longer technically eligible for Medicaid have maintained their health coverage. This continuous Medicaid coverage requirement will end on March 31, 2023.
Under Florida’s plan, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) will begin reviewing the eligibility of approximately 4.9 million Floridians currently on the Medicaid program in March, and the reviews will be conducted over the next 12 months. Those who are not eligible for Medicaid will lose coverage. Additionally, others who are still eligible are also at risk of losing coverage due to administrative issues, like DCF not having an updated address for the enrollee.
People relying on Medicaid during the pandemic:
The STORIES, Information and Issues
Over 2.5 million Florida children rely on Medicaid for all of their health care services. They are entitled to a comprehensive set of benefits, including periodic well child checkups and screens, as well as coverage for any medical service that is “medically necessary” for treating the child’s condition.
Children Relying on Medicaid: The STORIES, Information and Issues
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provided coverage for youth aging out of foster care until age 26 (“Former Foster Care” Medicaid). This critical coverage for young adults mirrors the ACA provision allowing children to stay on their parents’ health insurance plan until age 26.
Former Foster Care Children Relying on Medicaid:
The STORIES, Information and Issues
Nearly half of all births in Florida are financed by Medicaid. This coverage is critical, providing access to care for those who would otherwise be without during this vital period.
Pregnant Women Relying on Medicaid: The STORIES, Information and Issues
Florida’s Medicaid program provides Medicaid coverage for very low-income parents with minor children. For parents, eligibility is limited to those whose income is approximately 32% of the federal poverty level, or less than $500/month for a single parent with one child. Parents lose their vital health care coverage when their income rises above this meager amount, or when their youngest child turns 18.
Low-Income Parents Relying on Medicaid: The STORIES, Information and Issues
The Florida Medicaid program provides coverage for extremely low-income individuals 65 and older and for individuals who have been found to be disabled.
For those low-wealth individuals who need a nursing home level of care, Medicaid provides coverage for over half of all Floridians in nursing homes. Also, a limited number of people who qualify for the nursing home benefit can enroll in Medicaid’s Long-Term Care managed care program providing home and community based services (HCBS). There is a waiting list for this critical program.
Share Your Story
Join us in working for health justice in Florida. Let your voice be heard! Please contact us if you or a family member have Medicaid.
Sharing your story --in your words and your voice-- is essential. Together we'll help the public, the media and policymakers understand how important Medicaid is for Floridians and their families.
Share Your Story | Soapboxx Video
In partnership with the National Health Law Program (NHeLP), we are using the Soapboxx video recording app to create short testimonials about how Medicaid has impacted you or a family member.
Using your cell phone, tablet or computer, create a 20-90 second video about your experience with Medicaid. It's simple, easy and quick to do.
Sharing your story on video will serve as a powerful advocacy tool to help educate the public, the media and policymakers in understanding how important Medicaid is for Floridians and their families.
We are grateful to the National Health Law Program (NHeLP) for their support of the
"Medicaid | The Lived Experience" STORIES Project.
