NEWS FLASH

Florida GOP Measure Will Kick 600,000 Poor Children Off Of Medicaid | Florida’s GOP-led legislature pushed a measure last year that requires Medicaid recipients, regardless of age or income, to pay a $10 premium for benefits. But a new report from Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute finds that the legislation may force 800,000 Floridians — 660,000 of whom are likely children — out of the program. “This represents nearly half (45 percent) of the children and parents currently covered,” the report said. The Florida Independent notes that a one-parent, two-child family that earns $11,00 a year would pay $360 a year for Medicaid, or 3 percent of their income. While states can charge a premium for those in higher income brackets, no state currently charges a flat premium across the board. Florida’s measure is thus likely “the most far-reaching to date.” Despite this disastrous consequence, Florida’s epically unpopular Gov. Rick Scott (R) is still blaming Medicaid for the state budget woes.