Our Mission

Improving health care access and outcomes for low-income Floridians.

Why We're Here

Accessing  healthcare--a key social determinant of health--can be difficult for low-income Floridians,  the health challenges facing Florida are profound, and there's a need for new cross-sector strategies.​

Our Strategy

We explain how local, state and federal policies impact health outcomes for vulnerable populations, and we collaborate on solutions addressing Florida's profound health challenges.
Our advocacy includes short issue briefs,  comment letters, and litigation.

Education

We provide advocates and stakeholders with resource materials and trainings on programs and policies impacting health outcomes.

Technical Assistance & Support

We provide technical assistance and support for advocates on Florida’s complex health care programs, and help advocates  develop the substantive knowledge and skill set needed to identify and address barriers to care and improve health care outcomes.

About Florida Health Justice Project (FHJP)

FHJP provides nonpartisan policy analysis and systemic advocacy helping to ensure access to health care and improve health outcomes. We have expertise in health law, political science, public health, data analysis, nursing, and environmental advocacy.

In addressing Florida's health challenges--from the state's lack of Medicaid expansion to the impact of climate change on health--we work with state, local and national partners in promoting viable solutions.​

Publications & News

New Trump Administration's "Public Charge" Rule Threatens Health and Well-being of all Floridians

The Trump Administration has finalized a “public charge” rule that threatens the health of over 1,000,000 low-wealth Floridians, weaponizing health and human services programs against lawfully present immigrants and their families. The rule would harm over a hundred thousand U.S.-born children in Florida, as fear and confusion about this technical and complex rule may discourage many immigrant families from enrolling or keeping their children in public assistance programs that are vital for low-income families.
Read more

Video: Florida's Health Care Coverage Gap

Watch our new video that explains Florida's health care coverage gap.

FHJP and partner civil legal aid groups file suit against Florida state agencies for improperly stripping Medicaid from patients whose original eligibility was related to their adoption or disabilities

“This lawsuit seeks to rectify an issue we previously sought to address with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to no avail,” said Katy DeBriere, legal director of Florida Health Justice Project. “In administering Florida’s Medicaid program on behalf of the Agency for Health Care Administration, DCF is systematically failing to provide federally guaranteed benefits to those whose eligibility criteria have changed but who nonetheless remain eligible for Medicaid."
Read more

Happy Birthday Medicaid!

FHJP Executive Director Miriam Harmatz writes an op-ed in the Miami Herald to commemorate Medicaid's 54th birthday.
Read Miriam's op-ed
Elder Health Challenges

Repeal of Retroactive Medicaid Eligibility

In 2018, Florida received approval from the federal government to “waive” the Retroactive Medicaid Eligibility (RME) section of the Medicaid statute for non-pregnant adults over 21 and to limit coverage to one month. This elimination of RME is hurting low-income frail and disabled Floridians and critical safety net health care providers.  Read more

Adding an Oral Health Benefit to Medicare

When the Medicare Program was created in 1965, the major connection between oral health and overall wellness was not as well understood, and the Program excluded coverage of medically necessary dental care. While the connection between oral health and overall health outcomes is now proven, many people who rely on Medicare have limited access, or no access, to dental care.  Read more