Medicaid expansion took center stage within the first few hours of Special Session A, and the House and Senate don’t seem to be any closer in bridging the divide over the issue despite being away from Tallahassee for nearly a month.
The Senate Health Policy committee took up legislation on Monday to create a private health insurance exchange. Under the Florida Health Insurance Affordability Exchange Program (FHIX), the state would pay $5 billion to the federal government over the next 10 years.
The committee passed the substitute bill unanimously.
Much of Monday’s discussion on the FHIX 2.0 plan centered around who specifically would be eligible for the program. Under the plan, Floridians would have to prove that they were working or looking for work, are enrolled in school, or meet disability requirements. Illegal immigrants would also not be eligible for FHIX.
“If you’re able to work, you should work, and this is coming from a Broward Democrat who’s called a liberal,” said Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood.
Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, was one of the most outspoken in making sure Floridians weren’t committing fraud by not meeting the requirements. Gaetz approved of the amendment put forth by Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, which would crack down on eligibility requirements for FHIX.
Gaetz said those with insurance would bear the weight of the price tag for the uninsured.
“Those costs don’t get paid for by the tooth fairy,” said Gaetz. “The opportunities have to be earned. Chairman Bean has drawn a distinction between those who can’t get up off the couch and those who won’t get up off the couch.”
Gaetz also remained firm in his philosophical opposition to expanding Medicaid, as did several other members of the committee.
“I voted against expanding Medicaid,” said Sen. Bean. “If it's plain Medicaid, that's not the way to go ... we are not expanding Medicaid."
Under the proposal, enrollees would also be required to pay a monthly premium ranging from $3 to $25.
Sen. President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, called the program a “stronger Florida solution” to offer health care to low-income, working Floridians.
But House members still weren’t pleased with the Senate’s FHIX plan.
“The Senate’s FHIX plan is an expansion of government entitlements,” tweeted House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, calling Medicaid expansion “irresponsible.”
Special session continues until June 20.
Reach Tampa-based reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen
