Letter to the Hon. Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida, the Hon. Bill Galvano, President of the Florida State Senate, and the Hon. José Olivia, Speaker of the Florida State House of Representatives - Murphy, Castor, Shalala Urge State Leaders to Protect Floridians from Coronavirus by Expanding Medicaid

Letter

Dear Governor DeSantis, President Galvano, and Speaker Oliva:

We write as members of the Florida congressional delegation serving on the three House committees with jurisdiction over health--Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor. On January 13, 2020, we and other members of the Florida delegation wrote you to request that Florida join the 36 other states that have expanded Medicaid to cover more individuals.

Since that letter, coronavirus has emerged as a serious public health threat--and has made Medicaid expansion in Florida even more urgent. Florida is uniquely vulnerable to coronavirus because our state is a popular destination for international and domestic travelers and is home to a high percentage of elderly residents. This past week, two Floridians died as a result of coronavirus.

Over 2.5 million people in Florida--13 percent of our total population--lack health insurance, which is one of the highest uninsured rates in the country. According to one estimate, if Florida were to expand Medicaid, about 840,000 individuals could obtain coverage. During a public health crisis like coronavirus, it is vital for individuals who have symptoms or other risk factors to get tested for the illness. If the test is positive, the individual should have affordable access to the best course of medical treatment. In the case of coronavirus, this involves isolating the patient to reduce the risk the patient will infect others.

Naturally, Florida residents without health insurance may be less inclined to visit a doctor or hospital if they have symptoms or other risk factors, because they worry--not unreasonably--that both the initial test and any subsequent treatment will leave them with a medical bill they cannot afford. This poses a serious risk to their own health and to the safety of our communities.

We are in the midst of a public health emergency and must do everything within our power to protect Floridians from coronavirus. We urge you to expand Medicaid because it is the most effective way to get comprehensive care to uninsured individuals in Florida.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Murphy
Member of Congress

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