More than a half-million children lack health insurance in Florida — even as the state is losing out on millions in federal dollars to help them.
Late last month, the federal government announced bonuses of nearly $300 million to 23 states, including Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana. But Florida met only two of the feds’ eight requirements to receive the money.
State officials didn’t even bother to apply for the bonuses.
“It’s sinful,” said Dawn Steward, head of the Florida KidCare Coalition for Orange and Seminole counties. KidCare is the public-insurance program for children from birth through age 18. It’s paid for mostly by the federal government but administered by the states.
“Alabama got something like $19 million, and yet here is Flori-duh getting nothing,” she said. “People need to be mad about this.” (Read More…)



