On Thursday, a coalition leading a new petition effort for a ballot initiative to expand Medicaid access in Florida launched its campaign to collect signatures. In response, the Florida Democratic Party issued the following statement:
“Citizens are fed up with inaction,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “Florida is one of the last states in the country to expand Medicaid, even as traditionally red states like Idaho, Missouri, Utah and South Dakota move to expand Medicaid coverage through similar ballot initiatives.”
“This is a clear sign that Floridians are fired up and mobilized to take back our rights and freedoms. Most people agree that no one should be left without health care but few understand that expanding Medicaid will save the state money. This life-saving program is already paid for by our federal taxes, and expanding Medicaid will actually save the state around $200 million dollars. More importantly, it will protect 1.4 million women and children who are uninsured right now.
“As more and more Floridians lose coverage as a result of the Medicaid unwinding period, getting Medicaid expansion on the ballot can’t come fast enough.”