Medicaid cuts could devastate rural Florida, affecting children

A new report from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families highlights the significant role Medicaid plays in ensuring healthcare access for rural communities in Florida.

The report reveals that rural Floridians face unique challenges, including provider shortages, long commutes, and limited connectivity, all of which make accessing healthcare more difficult.

Erica Li, a health policy analyst with the Florida Policy Institute, emphasizes the program's importance for the state, noting that more than 52% of children in rural Florida rely on Medicaid or CHIP for their health insurance.

"Medicaid is a critical lifeline for families who need. And the longer that children go without coverage in healthcare, the more risk they are at for poor outcomes and other aspects of their life, such as educational obtainment and other quality of life measures," she explained.

Li underscored that Florida ranks fourth nationally for the share of children in rural areas relying on Medicaid and CHIP. She expresses concern that cuts to Medicaid funding would disproportionately harm these communities. House Republicans are considering hefty cuts to the program as part of deficit reductions of over $5 trillion.

Joan Alker, executive director and co-founder of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families and the report's lead author, said some proposals call for Medicaid reductions of nearly $2.5 trillion. She called that "horrifying" - especially since the program wasn't a big issue on the campaign trail last fall.

"There was complete silence about it, despite the fact that it is the largest source of public coverage by far in the United States. It's also a very popular program with the voters of all political stripes," Alker continued.

The report also emphasizes Medicaid's role in reducing medical debt and improving overall health outcomes. As federal lawmakers consider proposals to cap or reduce Medicaid spending, advocates like Li urge Florida leaders to resist measures that would further strain the state's already vulnerable rural healthcare system.