GOP Health Plan Cuts Coverage for Poor Kids in Florida

Children from poor Florida families who gained Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would see those benefits slashed under the Republican's American Health Care Act proposal, according to two reports.

The non-partisan Urban Institute, a health policy think tank, concluded this week that youngsters received additional care under the ACA, despite the state's refusal to expand eligibility for President Barack Obama's signature health insurance program.

But Avalere Health, a consulting firm says its analysis shows the per person spending for Medicaid would reduce federal funding for Florida children by $2.3 billion from 2020 to 2026.

Caroline Pearson, a senior vice president for Avalere, told the Miami Herald that caps in federal funding would force Florida to either spend more state money on the program, or ration healthcare for low-income kids and their parents, pregnant women and the disabled.

The American Health Care Act, recently passed by the House, is now in the Senate where it is expected to undergo many changes.

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