Florida is one of just ten states that has not expanded Medicaid. As a result, older Floridians, parents and low wage workers may go without critical health care, become seriously in debt and lose their quality of life.
Miriam, a parent living in Miami, lost her job during the COVID pandemic. With breast cancer, she was unable to afford a port to receive the chemo treatment. Using the cheaper method of IV administration was difficult and debilitating. Her treatment made her unable to work. Juggling rent, food and medical treatment, she got into credit card debt for which she is being sued. Her cancer treatment bills have gone to collections. With Medicaid expansion, her family’s life would be secure and less stressful. She could receive better healthcare.
From floridahealthstories.org
Florida Decides Healthcare’s (FDH) mission is to let voters decide whether Florida should expand Medicaid. Expanding Medicaid would increase jobs, grow our economy, and provide access to health care to over one million people. FDH has developed a ballot initiative with a proposed amendment to increase Medicaid coverage to low-income adults. This initiative would expand Medicaid coverage to those who currently fall in the coverage gap. To allow the amendment to be on the ballot, more than one million petition signatures from registered voters in Florida are needed. You can help by signing the petition yourself and encouraging your friends, family and neighbors to do the same.
The League of Women Voters of Florida is officially supporting this citizen ballot initiative drive aimed at securing a spot on the 2026 ballot, as is the League of Women Voters of Collier County. Petitions can be found at https://floridadecideshealthcare.org/petition/
They will also be available at LWVCC general meetings and Social Policy meetings. Petitions can be mailed to the address given on the petition, handed over to the Social Policy co-chairs or taken to the regional hub, UUCGN, at 6340 Napa Woods Way. There is a locked mailbox there to insert the petitions. Thanks for your attention to this critical matter.