The STORIES, Media and Information
Seminole, FL
After struggling with Parkinson's, Michael was finally enrolled in Florida’s Long-Term Care Waiver program in 2022, allowing him to receive needed services at home. But just a year later, his Medicaid was improperly terminated, resulting in the loss of his essential in-home services and thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses for his family.
Citrus County, FL
When a profoundly disabled young man was about to be wrongfully terminated from Medicaid, his stepmother quickly filed a pre-termination appeal. This ensured there would be no interruption in his life sustaining nursing services; but the termination never should have happened.
Jackson County, FL
Laurie’s son, who has type 1 diabetes, cannot lose health insurance. His Medicaid was not scheduled for redetermination until March 2024. But she got a confusing notice in September 2023 saying her son would lose Medicaid at the end of the month, and she's spent panicked days trying to ensure his ongoing coverage.
Orange County, FL
Thanks to continuous Medicaid coverage throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Carlos was able to receive treatment and medication for his back injury and depression. Now, that is ending and Carlos will no longer have access to the health care coverage he needs because Florida does not make coverage available to low-income parents like him.
Milton, FL
Melissa had Medicaid since the spring of 2020, but then her providers began charging copayments she could not afford, and her notices made no sense.
Orlando, FL
Hard working students and youth could face the loss of needed health coverage. Once the Public Health Emergency ends, Florida residents like Iris, a college student with asthma, could lose access to affordable healthcare needed for life-saving medications.
Hollywood, FL
S.T. and her family are living on the edge, hanging on to their family’s Medicaid health insurance amid the COVID-19 pandemic, living in fear of losing the healthcare that keeps them alive.
July 1, 2023
Under Florida’s Plan, children with complex medical needs like Penelope were supposed to have their redeterminations postponed until the end of the Medicaid “unwind” period. (April 2024). But some parents of gravely ill children have suddenly learned that their child’s Medicaid had ended. Fortunately, the Florida Health Justice Project’s was able to help Penelope get back on Medicaid.
August 23, 2023
The lawsuit, which was filed as a class action by Florida Health Justice Project and the National Health Law Program, challenges the notices used to alert people that their Medicaid coverage is ending. As alleged in the suit, low-income individuals who are losing Medicaid coverage have no idea if the State is making the right decision and whether (or how) to challenge their loss of coverage if they think the termination decision is wrong.
Read Declarations from Plaintiffs: Chianne D., Jennifer V.
April 10, 2023
The video and portal materials have been created as a training tool and resource for legal services staff, navigators, and others who are assisting recipients during the “unwinding” of the pandemic-related continuous Medicaid coverage requirement.
Advocate Referral Form | Eligibility Assessments for Individuals Receiving Termination Notices
April 20, 2023
Medicaid is complicated, and recipients who receive a termination notice may be confused. The Florida Health Justice Project (FHJP) can provide Medicaid eligibility assessments, including whether the termination notice appears (in)correct and the client's legal rights. For clients who want to be referred to FHJP, please complete this form (English) or this form (Español) and hit the Submit Button.
Additional Relevant Resources
Share Your Story
Join us in our work for health justice in Florida. Let your voice be heard! Please contact us:
- If you have lost Medicaid since April 2023 or are currently on Medicaid and are concerned about losing coverage.
Sharing your story --in your words and your voice-- is essential.
Read More About Floridians Who Need Medicaid Expansion
We are grateful to the National Health Law Program (NHeLP) for their support of the
"Medicaid | The Lived Experience" STORIES Project.
