Florida Lawmakers Challenge DeSantis Administration Over Child Health Care Cuts
DeSantis administration faces bipartisan pushback after proposing to sweep $32 million from children’s health insurance program amid legal challenge to federal requirements.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — The DeSantis administration faced bipartisan criticism Friday after proposing to sweep $32 million from a subsidized children’s health insurance program during a Joint Legislative Budget Commission meeting.
Medicaid Director Brian Meyer told the legislative panel that enrollment in the Florida KidCare program was lower than state economists had predicted, leading to his recommendation to redirect the unused funds to the state’s general revenue fund.
Lawmakers Express Concerns Over Fund Transfer
The commission voted to approve the money transfer, but the decision was not unanimous and followed objections from legislators on both sides of the aisle. Several lawmakers questioned the administration’s handling of children’s health care policies.
“I’m really disappointed, and I’d like to see [the Agency for Health Care Administration] actually help the people of the state of Florida who are struggling with having to insure their children, to give their children health insurance. And I find this whole thing very troubling,” said Sen. Lori Berman, a Democrat from Boca Raton who opposed the $32 million sweep.
Federal Law Compliance Under Scrutiny
During the meeting, Meyer faced questions about the administration’s decision to challenge a federal law requiring the state to maintain children’s enrollment in the federal children’s health insurance program for up to 12 months, even if parents fail to pay monthly premiums. The premiums range between $15 and $20 per month.
The DeSantis administration has taken the continuous eligibility requirement to federal court, arguing it conflicts with state law that requires families to pay premiums to maintain coverage. This legal challenge has resulted in tens of thousands of children being removed from the Florida KidCare program.
Unfulfilled Expansion Requirements
The administration also faces criticism for failing to expand access to the low-cost health insurance program despite a 2023 state law requiring such expansion. The law mandated broader access to Florida KidCare, but the administration has not implemented the required changes.
Florida KidCare provides subsidized health insurance coverage for children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. The program serves as an essential safety net for working families across the state.
The Joint Legislative Budget Commission has authority to make spending decisions when the Florida Legislature is not in session. The panel’s decision to redirect the $32 million comes as families continue to struggle with rising healthcare costs and insurance premiums.
According to the Florida Phoenix, the enrollment shortfall that prompted the fund sweep reflects the impact of the administration’s policies rather than reduced need for children’s health coverage in the state.
