Like many other states in the U.S., the challenge of addressing health care for the very poor and indigent in Florida remains an ongoing, chronic problem. While both government and private health care have tried to tackle the issue repeatedly, there are as many recommendations and ideas as there are indigent still needing help. Florida's approach goes the route of universal health care.
History
In 1977 the Florida Legislature decided to enact laws that authorized the state to pay for the health care of all Florida residents. The Health Care Responsibility Act was passed, to make sure anyone living in the state legally could get affordable health service as necessary.
State Law
Florida's laws regarding indigent health care remain codified under Florida statutes section 154.331. This state code provides for the establishment of regions, health care districts, at the discretion of a Florida county. Within a health care district, if approved by the county and its voters, the county addresses the cost of indigent care in the emergency rooms within the county. Additionally, the county can raise taxes to pay for the district and associated costs.
Medicaid
Medicaid provides via federal funding and state funding health care aid for the poor, indigent and women and children. The rules allow for some aid, but bars others; within Florida's Medicaid program there are different categories of eligibility. For example, indigent women younger than 19 years with children are eligible for coverage. So are the blind, aged and disabled. However, adults between 19 years old and retirement age do not automatically qualify.
Child Health Insurance
Specific for children, the Florida Kidcare program supports and pays for child health care insurance, regardless of whether a child is indigent or poor. The family must earn less than specific income ceilings, which are adjusted from year to year. Further, children covered must be under 19 years of age.
Federal Stimulus Help
In addition to state government-funded help, some hospitals in Florida also provide for indigent assistance via non-Medicaid federal funding. The recent American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by Congress provides additional funding for Florida hospitals to pursue if they can raise the state-side funding match through additional local taxation. The federal government for a limited time will pay 68 percent of eligible caseload costs to match 32 percent of local funding.
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