Urge the Florida Legislature to Close the Coverage Gap
Only four states in the nation make it harder for working parents to get Medicaid and only 12 states have not expanded health care access.
In Florida, parents in a family of three with an annual income between $6,936 - $23,030 are ineligible for Medicaid.
Nearly 500,000 lower income and/or disabled Floridians now fall into the health care coverage gap.
Now, even more states are moving towards closing the health care coverage gap. It's time for Florida to follow suit and create access to coverage for more hardworking Floridians.
Florida Voices for Health is a member of Health Care for Florida, a coalition of diverse organizations working to close the coverage gap. Learn more at www.healthcareforfl.org.
-
When is open enrollment and where can I get help?The Affordable Care Act Marketplace open enrollment period starts on November 1st until December 15th. Schedule an appointment at www.coveringflorida.org or call Covering Florida for more info at 877-813-9115. Covering Florida Navigators provide FREE enrollment assistance in all of Florida’s 67 counties and offer confidential one-on-one customer service, phone assistance, and virtual appointments to anyone looking to enroll for health care coverage.
-
How do Special Enrollment Periods work?You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you've had certain life events, including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child. Florida residents impacted by Covid-19, including job or wage loss and related health insurance loss may qualify. If you qualify for an SEP, you usually have up to 60 days following the event to enroll in a plan, so don't delay calling us to learn your options. Call the Covering Florida navigators (877-813-9115) today for information on eligibility and to schedule an appointment for Special Enrollment.
-
What if I have a pre-existing condition?All Marketplace plans must cover treatment for pre-existing medical conditions. No insurance plan can reject you, charge you more, or refuse to pay for essential health benefits for any condition you had before your coverage started. Once you’re enrolled, the plan can’t deny you coverage or raise your rates based only on your health. Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) also can't refuse to cover you or charge you more because of your pre-existing condition. Under the law, insurers are prohibited from using a consumer’s health status to deny coverage (guaranteed issue), set individual and small group market rates (community rating), exclude coverage of pre-existing conditions, or cancel a policy. Guaranteed issue: The requires insurers to offer health insurance products to everyone in the market, regardless of health status. Community rating: The ACA’s rating rules prohibit insurers from charging higher premiums based on an insured’s health status and they can only vary rates based on geographic rating area, age (limited to a 3:1 differential), tobacco use (limited to a 1.5:1 differential), and whether or not it is individual or family coverage. Ban on Pre-existing Condition Exclusions: Under the ACA, insurers are not allowed to limit or exclude coverage of services and treatment based on an enrollee’s pre-existing condition.
Are You Uninsured and Don't Qualify for Medicaid?
Share Your Story and Recieve a $20 gift card.
Florida Voices for Health is capturing the stories of Floridians to help leaders understand why we need to close the coverage gap.
Participants must be:
-
Uninsured (or about to lose coverage)
-
Ineligible for Medicaid and ACA Marketplace tax credits.
​
By telling us your story, you help speak for people who may be facing issues just like yours. You have the opportunity to help change the future for millions of Floridians.
​
How Does It Work?
​
-
Fill out the form below
-
Text us at 850.296.2241
-
Email us at FLVOICES@healthyfla.org
-
Find us on Facebook Messenger (@FLVoices4Health)
​
Submit your story using the form below. After you submit your story, a member of our staff may contact you to learn more about your situation and to ensure that Florida Voices for Health understands your story in detail.
​
Florida Voices for Health will match participants with opportunities to share their stories publicly. Opportunities may include: requests from the media, policymakers, and advocates; use in our online efforts; and use in our policy briefs.
​
We will always ask your permission before we release any contact information or highlight your story, and you can always opt out of any opportunity.
​
By submitting your story you agree to our consent and release guidelines.