Democratic lawmakers are again pushing to expand Medicaid in Florida, filing legislation extending healthcare coverage to nearly 800,000 low-income residents currently left uninsured.
The proposal, House Bill 1507, and its Senate counterpart come as Florida remains one of just 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Advocates say the policy change is long overdue — and that the refusal to act is a growing burden on working families.
“Florida is already just one of 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, leaving nearly 800,000 Floridians — our neighbors, our family — without healthcare,” said U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Orlando, during a March 17 press conference at the state Capitol.
Frost warned that more families will be forced into impossible choices without action.
“There will be families forced to decide between putting food on the table, paying their rent, or getting the healthcare they need,” Frost said.
For Democrats, the fight for Medicaid expansion has become a yearly effort in a Legislature dominated by Republicans. This year’s proposal is led by Rep. Dotie Joseph, D-North Miami, who framed the bill as a healthcare measure and an economic one.
“Right now, hundreds of Floridians are drowning in medical debt,” Joseph said. “In states with Medicaid, medical debt dropped by 30 to 40 percent. It reduces out-of-pocket costs. This simple policy decision would bring tremendous financial relief for everyday people.”
Joseph emphasized the financial benefits of expanding Medicaid, noting that it would bring back $14 billion of taxpayer dollars to the state, reducing the tax burden on Floridians.
“Expanding Medicaid saves money and saves lives,” she added.
Currently, Florida’s Medicaid program covers about 4.3 million people. But adults without children and those who earn just above the poverty line remain excluded. Expansion would raise the income threshold to 138% of the federal poverty level, making more working adults eligible.
The Republican-controlled Legislature has historically blocked such efforts, citing concerns over long-term costs and reliance on federal funding. While Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Bartow, recently said he’s “open-minded” about healthcare policy proposals, House Speaker Danny Perez, R-Miami, has yet to signal support.
HB 1507 has been referred to the Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee, but no hearing has been scheduled. If passed, the legislation would be effective July 1.
Some Democrats are preparing for a long game. With legislative efforts repeatedly stalled, advocates are also exploring a ballot initiative to expand Medicaid via constitutional amendment in 2026. The petition drive is still in its early stages — only a few thousand of the roughly 900,000 required signatures have been verified.
For many Floridians, however, the issue is more urgent.
Samantha Reyes, a single mother of two from Gainesville, works part-time as a home health aide. Her children are covered under Medicaid, but she isn’t. That leaves her to weigh every doctor’s visit against the family budget.
“I just want to stay healthy for my kids,” Reyes said. “But I always have to choose between my health and my bills.”