Statement of Florida Health Justice Project on Medicaid Work Requirements

​Florida Health Justice Project (FHJP) Opposes Medicaid Work Requirement in Florida
 
Joins leading health care, disability rights, faith-based housing and civil rights groups opposing a new federal policy now before the Florida legislature.
 
(Miami, Florida) - March 5, 2018 - The Florida Health Justice Project (FHJP) has joined 160 organizations, representing leading health care, disability rights, criminal justice, faith-based housing and civil rights groups, in opposing the new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) policy that would allow Florida to impose work requirements on Medicaid recipients. (https://lac.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/february-2018-Medicaid-work-requirements-letter-to-Sec-Azar.pdf)
 
The Florida Senate is currently considering a bill (HB 751) that has already passed the Florida House which would require some Medicaid recipients to provide proof they are either working, attending school or searching for employment.
 
This policy would have a significant and disproportionately harmful impact on low-income individuals with chronic health conditions, especially those struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health disorders.
 
“Floridians on Medicaid who can work are already working. This proposal is another cruel blow to residents who can’t work because of illness or drug addiction, and it makes no sense to cut off their access to healthcare,” said Florida Health Justice Project co-director Miriam Harmatz.
 
FHJP also agrees with lawyers from the National Health Law Program, the Kentucky Equal Justice Center and the Southern Poverty Law Center who recently challenged the legality of Kentucky’s work requirements.
 
“Moreover, the proposal would be especially egregious in Florida, which has yet to expand Medicaid,” Harmatz said. “The individuals who would lose coverage are mostly parents who have serious health issues. Without health care coverage, children, as well as parents will suffer.”
 
 
To speak with Miriam Harmatz, call 786-853-9385 or contact her at harmatz@floridahealthjustice.org