U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor of Tampa, Charlie Crist of St. Petersburg and Florida’s 11 other Democratic members of Congress urged Gov. Ron DeSantis to do something that Republicans have refused to do: expand Medicaid.
“The citizens of Florida have spoken on the importance of affordable health care coverage through the robust enrollment numbers (of the Affordable Care Act),” the 5-page letter states. “Affordable coverage for Florida families is at risk, however, due to a misguided federal lawsuit making its way through the courts.”
The letter encourages DeSantis, and Attorney General Ashley Moody, to remove Florida from the lawsuit that would eliminate the Affordable Care Act.
Expanding Medicaid, rather than block grants, is a more suitable way to provide coverage for millions of Floridians. Expanding Medicaid, which currently only covers children, seniors in nursing homes and pregnant women, would “ensure that our neighbors get the care they need and would boost our economy. Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia already have expanded Medicaid to provide affordable health care to working families and students. This includes several states led by conservative governors who have found a way to make Medicaid expansion work for their states.”