Earlier today, the Florida State Senate approved changes to the state Medicaid program that will undermine longstanding federal protections for those who rely on Medicaid. The changes are part of an unprecedented federal waiver of critical federal laws and regulations. The Florida House of Representatives passed the same measure yesterday, and the bill is now headed to Governor Bush’s desk for his signature.
Under the new program that will be implemented in Broward and Duval counties, the state will accept limits on the amount of federal funds it receives to match state spending on the Medicaid program.
The following is the statement of Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA, about the waiver:
"The Florida waiver represents a very dangerous precedent that is likely to cause significant harm for people who need health care the most.
“The waiver will no doubt result in unaffordable health care costs for people who have health conditions or disabilities and will ultimately result in the denial of critical health benefits that used to be provided.
“The harmful effects of this waiver should not be underestimated. The waiver should be carefully analyzed before this proposal is extended to other Florida counties or to other states across the country. Families USA will closely monitor the impact of this proposal in Broward and Duval counties.”
