A Half Million Children Lost Medicaid Coverage in Florida, Leaving Families in Crisis
Florida’s Most Vulnerable Children
More than half a million of Florida’s most vulnerable children have lost their Medicaid coverage in the past year, leaving many families struggling to provide for their children’s medical needs. One such family, the Sultzbaughs, is fighting to get their 14-year-old daughter, Maryanne, covered again after she was dropped from the program in May.
Maryanne’s Story
Maryanne was just two days old when she was diagnosed with a rare blood vessel abnormality in her brain, which led to a stroke and brain damage. She now relies on a ventilator to survive. After losing her Medicaid coverage, her parents, Jeffrey and Sandra, were left to navigate the complex system on their own, struggling to access the medical care Maryanne needs.
Florida’s Medicaid System
Florida’s Medicaid system has been plagued by a lack of options for children with complex medical conditions. According to Lynn Hearn, an advocate for families, "Florida does not have a broad array of options for coverage for children with complex medical conditions, unless their parents’ income is just very, very low."
The Reason Behind the Drop
The pandemic led to an influx of enrollments in Medicaid, and federal protections prevented states from taking away the benefit. However, once the emergency ended, states started reviewing who remained eligible. As a result, more than 531,000 children in Florida lost Medicaid coverage, including over 69,000 in Miami-Dade and 53,000 in Broward.
Families’ Struggles
Jenny Malqui’s 16-year-old daughter, Bianca, was also dropped from Medicaid. Her family’s story is similar to the Sultzbaughs’, with outdated income information used to determine eligibility. "I was worried, I was very scared," Jenny says. "I had to fight to get her coverage reinstated."
The Impact on Families
Families like the Sultzbaughs and Malquis are struggling to cope with the high costs of medical care, forcing them to make difficult choices between medical treatment and basic necessities. As Jeffrey Sultzbaugh says, "If not for Medicaid, we wouldn’t be able to provide for Maryanne’s needs."
Conclusion
The impact of Medicaid cuts on Florida’s most vulnerable children is severe. With more than half a million children affected, the state’s healthcare system is under strain. It is crucial that Florida policymakers work to address this crisis and provide support for families like the Sultzbaughs and Malquis, ensuring that all children have access to the medical care they need.
FAQs
Q: Why did so many children lose Medicaid coverage in Florida?
A: The pandemic led to an influx of enrollments, and federal protections prevented states from taking away the benefit. Once the emergency ended, states reviewed who remained eligible, resulting in thousands of children losing coverage.
Q: What are the consequences of losing Medicaid coverage for children with complex medical needs?
A: Children requiring specialized care may struggle to access life-saving treatments, leading to complications and potentially life-threatening consequences.
Q: What can families do if their child is dropped from Medicaid?
A: Families can appeal the decision and review their eligibility, as well as seek assistance from advocacy groups and government agencies.
Q: How can I help?
A: Support organizations like the Florida Health Justice Project, which advocates for vulnerable children’s healthcare rights, and work towards creating a more inclusive and comprehensive healthcare system.
