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Health Care Access and Advocacy

Everyone deserves access to life-saving medical care.

From hurricane disasters to the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve seen proof that Floridians care for each other. By joining together from across the state — Dade to Duval — we can reform our healthcare system so we all stay healthy and our communities thrive.

This page contains information for anyone who either 1) needs health insurance and/or 2) wants to learn how to advocate for better healthcare policies.

**Important updates below regarding recent Federal changes.**

Getting Covered

We can help determine what health coverage you qualify for and what the cost would be. You may be eligible for subsidies or tax credits that lower the monthly cost of health insurance.

Click here to schedule a FREE appointment with our Health Coaches!

Click here to find affordable clinics in Miami-Dade, financial assistance, and more options outside of traditional insurance. 

You can also contact Covering Florida for help finding health care.

Dates to Know:

Don’t miss out on the chance to get the coverage you need under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)/Obamacare. Our Health Coaches will explain your options and help you enroll in the right plan for you.

After a life-changing event, you have up to 60 days to enroll in a new plan through the federal Marketplace (Obamacare). You could qualify for a plan if you

  • move, 
  • lose your insurance coverage, 
  • get married or divorced, 
  • have a baby, 
  • or have a significant change in income.

We can help you enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). If you don’t qualify, we can still help you find affordable, quality health care. Request your free appointment online at catalystmiami.org/client.

Changes to Medicaid and Obamacare/ACA Insurance

H.R. 1, or the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA), was signed into law on July 4, 2025.

This law makes extreme changes to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) that will harm both the health and financial well-being of everyday Americans across the country, including here in South Florida.
  • Recipients of discounted insurance plans through the federal marketplace (ACA/Obamacare) could have their plan costs go up 75% on average, some up to 400%
  • Medicaid enrollees and applicants will suffer from a more lengthy and complicated eligibility process, meet stricter work requirements,
  • 1.8 million Black and Hispanic people could lose coverage without ACA discounts.

2025

  • Expiration of ACA Marketplace Enhanced Tax Premium Credits/Subsidies: The enhanced subsidies for ACA Marketplace plans are set to expire at the end of 2025. This is expected to cause a significant increase in premiums for many Floridians enrolled in these plans starting in 2026. It is expected they will go up 75% on average, with some estimates as high as 400% for some people. 
  • Increased Medicaid Application & Renewal Complexity: Effective July 2025, changes to Medicaid application and renewal processes will make it more difficult to enroll/keep coverage, especially for older adults and those with disabilities. This includes a delay in the implementation of streamlined eligibility and enrollment procedures until 2035. 

2026

  • Eligibility Restrictions for Immigrants: Effective October 2026, only U.S. citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents, certain Cuban and Haitian entrants, and individuals residing under a Compact of Free Association will qualify, excluding asylees, refugees, and those with DACA and TPS. 
  • Requirement for Notifying Medicaid Enrollees of Work Requirements: States that implement Medicaid work requirements by December 31, 2026, must notify enrollees that they will soon be subject to these requirements. (Even though FL is not an expansion state, the legislature can still implement work requirements for those already eligible for Medicaid.)

2027

  • Implementation of Medicaid Work Requirements: Effective January 2027, most Medicaid recipients between 19 and 64 years old, without qualifying exemptions, will need to meet work or community engagement requirements to maintain coverage. (Note states have the option to implement these requirements sooner.)
  • Reduced Retroactive Coverage: The period of retroactive coverage for medical bills will be shortened to one month prior to applying for Medicaid for expansion enrollees and two months prior for traditional enrollees, starting January 1, 2027.

2028

  • Reductions in State Directed Payment Rates for Hospitals: The "safe harbor" limit, which impacts how much provider tax revenue states can use to finance their share of Medicaid, will be phased down starting in fiscal year 2028. The limit will be reduced by 0.5% each year until it reaches 3.5% in fiscal year 2032.
  • Imposition of New Medicaid Cost-Sharing: Beginning October 1, 2028, some states can begin imposing deductions, cost-sharing, or similar charges for certain care, items, and services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries with incomes above the federal poverty level.
  1. Tell Congress to make ACA subsidies permanent! Click here to write to your representatives or call 1-877-851-2521 to share your story.
  2. Keep reading to learn how you can join the movement to expand Medicaid eligibility for millions of Floridians.
  3. Medical debt continues to plague our communities. Scroll to the bottom section of this page to get assistance and take action.

Expand Medicaid

Across the country, millions of Americans make too much to qualify for Medicaid, but too little to afford Obamacare (ACA). 

In Florida, the passing of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” in 2025, will double to that number to 1 in 5 residents falling in the coverage gap.

Over 3 million Floridians would be left uninsured if we don’t expand Medicaid eligibility. 70% of our state’s voters support expansion, and the federal funding is still there to make it possible.

As FL state legislators passed bills to stifle citizen-led ballot initiatives like the campaign to expand Medicaid, our focus has shifted to winning in court and delayed gathering the needed 900,000+ signatures for a ballot initiative to 2028.

The fight continues! In the meantime, fill out the form here to stay connected, share your story of medical debt or being uninsured, help us identify others who can, or participate in a training on how to speak with the media.

You can also stay up-to-date with this campaign by joining the mailing list of Florida Decides Healthcare.

Struggling with Medical Debt?

Dollar For is an organization that helps with medical bills. See if they can help you at dollarfor.org/catalystmiami.

Complete this survey to share your story of medical debt and inform our advocacy efforts.