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N.Y.C. Council speaker calls on Mayor Eric Adams to resign; KY could do more to protect kids from accidental drug ingestion, shootings; OH food banks face fed funding uncertainty, DeWine budget cuts; Protesters say Trump administration actions 'cast aside democracy.'

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On a Middle East visit, Sen. Richard Blumenthal rejects a Gaza takeover. President's Day protests erupt around the country against White House moves, and another aviation accident draws attention to recent FAA cuts.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Proposed federal cuts to health programs could impact millions of Floridians

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Wednesday, December 11, 2024   

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for office, federal health programs affecting 85 million low-income Americans, including millions in Florida, may face cuts under plans to reduce inflation and debt.

Florida leads the nation in Affordable Care Act enrollment, with 4.2 million residents obtaining coverage through the federal marketplace. Additionally, according to the state's Agency for Health Care Administration, more than 4.3 million Floridians are enrolled in Medicaid, underscoring the program's importance as a safety net.

Medicaid, CHIP and SNAP programs could face fiscal tightening in the upcoming year.

Joan Alker, executive director of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, emphasized the stakes for states during an Ethnic Media panel.

"Medicaid accounts for about 56% of all federal money that is flowing to states," Alker pointed out. "If we do see big cuts to Medicaid, that will affect all areas of states' budget."

Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal government and individual states administering its programs. Florida is one of 10 states to have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, leaving many low-income adults without coverage. Congress is expected to act swiftly on its legislative agenda in the coming year, with key actions likely beginning in January.

Mayra Alvarez, president of the Children's Partnership in California, also participated in the panel, highlighting concerns about food insecurity if SNAP benefits face reductions.

"Without adequate access to food, stress or health outcomes and increased debt are likely to occur," Alvarez emphasized. "Especially considering how it's 78% of us in our communities are living paycheck to paycheck."

Medicaid advocates warned proposed reductions in federal funding could disproportionately affect low-income individuals, seniors and children, leading to higher uninsured rates and added strain on Florida's health care infrastructure.

Disclosure: The Georgetown University Center for Children and Families contributes to our fund for reporting on Children's Issues, and Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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