Florida’s Legislature Must Expand Medicaid Now to Protect Workers

As the COVID-19 crisis worsens, it is vital that all Americans have health insurance coverage to access testing and treatment. Yet thousands of working Floridians are rapidly losing their jobs and their job-based health insurance. Because Florida has not expanded its Medicaid program, people who lose their job-based health insurance typically have no good options for staying covered. Even Floridians who continue to work in essential industries during the COVID-19 crisis may not have coverage if they do not get health insurance through their job.

Medicaid expansion could significantly address this access issue and support Florida’s workers, but the state must act quickly. Now more than ever, hardworking Floridians need Medicaid coverage. The legislature must convene a special session and expand Medicaid immediately.