In the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, I highlighted how the State of Florida and Gov. DeSantis are ripping health coverage away from children, including those with special needs. Of the over 1.35 million Floridians who have lost their life-saving Medicaid coverage during the “unwinding,” an estimated 70% were stripped of vital coverage due to procedural reasons, not because the individuals are no longer eligible for care. I’m glad the HHS Inspector General is examining state procedures during the redetermination because the overly aggressive approach we are seeing in states like Florida is causing undue hardship for vulnerable families.
In the Health Subcommittee, I spoke with HHS Secretary Becerra about the importance of children having access to consistent health coverage. Governor DeSantis is throwing Florida kids off the children's health care program ("CHIP" or "Florida Kidcare”) and erecting barriers that keep kids from the doctor's office in violation of federal law. On January 1, 2024, a new federal protection for children went into effect nationwide: continuous eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP coverage for children for 12 months. This means that once children are determined eligible for Medicaid or CHIP anywhere across the nation, they keep their health coverage for an entire year. It is a vital reform that is being celebrated across America – except by Florida's governor.
It's unacceptable and shameful. Read my full statement here.
