The Fight for Children’s Healthcare: Florida Democrats Speak Out Against Governor DeSantis’ Lawsuit

On April 18, 2024, the Florida Democratic Party (FDP) Chair issued a statement expressing concerns about a lawsuit filed by Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration that could potentially impact children’s healthcare nationwide. The lawsuit aims to block a new federal provision that ensures health insurance coverage for children eligible for Florida KidCare.

According to FDP Chair Nikki Fried, it is clear that Governor DeSantis is not prioritizing the well-being of Florida’s children. Nearly half a million children have lost their Medicaid coverage, and over 22,000 children have been kicked off Florida KidCare due to the administration’s actions. These actions could have serious consequences for children with serious medical conditions such as cancer, cerebral palsy, and chronic illnesses requiring expensive medications. Instead of ensuring these children receive the necessary healthcare coverage, the DeSantis administration is using resources to sue the federal government in an attempt to make it easier to remove children from healthcare programs.

The lawsuit, if successful, could have disastrous effects on millions of children throughout the country and lead to a widespread child healthcare crisis. Florida stands out among the states by requiring families earning less than 150% of the federal poverty level to pay premiums for Florida KidCare coverage, and it is the only state involved in this lawsuit. In contrast, the Biden-Harris administration is focused on making healthcare coverage affordable and accessible to all children while reducing overall healthcare costs for Americans. The FDP Chair emphasizes the importance of re-electing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in November to ensure federal protections for healthcare coverage for all individuals, especially Florida’s most vulnerable children.