Despite GOP opposition, Florida surges to No. 1 in Obamacare enrollment

[Sancho]

http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/over-gop-opposition-florida-surges-to-no-1-in-obamacare-enrollment/2216052

"As of mid-January, 1.27 million Floridians had enrolled in exchange plans, according to federal data, compared to 1.2 million Californians. Texas, which has 6 million more people than Florida, enrolled about 919,000 people in private plans. Both Florida and Texas have a 22 percent uninsured rate. California's rate is 17 percent, according to latest Census data.

"It is truly ironic that Florida leads the nation in enrollment … with leadership that has actively opposed the law," said Leah Barber-Heinz, executive director of Florida CHAIN, an advocacy group involved in outreach efforts. "It shows true commitment on the part of many and it portrays an extremely high need for affordable coverage.---snip---

Another key factor is the state's decision not to expand Medicaid under the law. That's left consumers with incomes above the federal poverty level of $11,600 per year with no coverage option other than to buy a private plan — with help from sliding-scale government subsidies. About 800,000 Floridians who make less than the federal poverty level are shut out altogether because they make too little to qualify for subsidies for private plans, but too much to qualify for Medicaid. In Florida, adults with children qualify for Medicaid only if their income is below 34 percent of the poverty level. Childless adults are ineligible. Florida is one of 22 states that chose not to expand Medicaid after the U.S. Supreme Court made that provision optional for states."

What's even crazier is that Florida is turning down many, many millions in order to kill people. The worst governor ever!!

[AC_Mem]

1. Orlando here

It is just such insanity, isn't it? We must get out the vote in 2016 to correct this madness. I'm so disappointed in those who sat this past election out. Memories are, unfortunately, short. They tried to suppress my vote here in 2012 but I raised hell over it. Every single vote counts, and with the money the GOP billionaires plan to pour into the 2016 election, if we do not get it together with a plan and volunteers, this election will be bought and it will be horrible.

Please vote, and take someone with you. Please volunteer locally. Make a difference. It's our children's future at stake.

[Sancho]

2. I'm so angry that I could spit...people don't vote!

I have no explanation other than laziness.

[TheNutcracker]

4. no no no! it's playing to an extreme base for reelection, not laziness.They work hard opposing Obama

As those who DID vote, voted for more of this shit coming out of FLA!

[Sancho]

5. We had about 40% of registered Democrats vote here...

and lots of people simply stayed home. We have vote by mail too, so you don't have to stand in line.

[TheNutcracker]

3. The emperor has no clothes! Obviously we do not have representative government!

ANYWHERE!

[lame54]

6. Does it cover gunshot wounds?

[lark]

7. There's a reason for this.

FL has lots of poor people and the lovely Repugs in our legislature decided in their idiocy not to expand Medicaid. The only option for even semi-affordable care for the working poor that aren't too poor is the Exchange. FL also has one of the worst economies and bad unemployment as well.

[Teutonic Samuel]

8. Beam Up, Scott

To whatever fucked-up planet you came from!