Summary
In Florida, about 700,000 children lost their Medicaid health coverage over the last two years. This decrease happened after states could start removing people from the program, following expanded coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline in coverage is part of a broader nationwide trend where Medicaid enrollment is shrinking.
Key Facts
- Florida removed approximately 700,000 children from Medicaid in two years.
- The removal process started after March 2023, when states were allowed to reassess eligibility.
- Medicaid coverage was initially expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
- Before removing people from the program, Florida had over 3 million children enrolled in Medicaid as of March 2023.
- The decrease represents nearly one-quarter of enrolled children, one of the largest drops in the U.S.
- The rate of uninsured children in the U.S. has increased by about half a million since the removal process started.
- States have different methods of managing the transition, affecting how many people lose coverage.
- Confusing procedures and communication issues may have led eligible families to lose coverage without realizing it.
