As more Floridians lose health coverage, free clinics step in. But it can’t stop there
Miami Herald
By Janisse Rosario-Schoepp
This article originally appeared in the Miami Herald.
Free and charitable clinics have become a critical pillar of South Florida’s health system.
Florida is entering another period of health coverage uncertainty. More than one million residents are projected to lose insurance in the coming year with upcoming cuts to Medicaid and federal Affordable Care Act supports ending. Because Florida has benefited the most from the premium tax credits and ACA marketplace, Florida will be most harmed by subsidy cuts. The impact will be felt most in South Florida, where uninsured rates already exceed the state average — 16.7% in Miami-Dade, 15% in Broward and about 16% in Monroe County.
Without action, safety net clinics including free and charitable clinics could soon be overwhelmed as more residents turn to them for essential care. Many of those walking through their doors will be people who never imagined needing this kind of help — even those who once dismissed free clinics altogether.
The challenge now is twofold: help more residents stay insured and ensure the clinics that serve those without coverage have the capacity to meet rising demand.
Across South Florida, a network of local partners is working to reinforce both sides of the safety net — keeping people covered while expanding the reach of community clinics that provide care when coverage is lost.
Through collaborative efforts involving the Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Hispanic Unity of Florida, Catalyst Miami, the Florida Health Justice Project and others, the Health Foundation of South Florida is helping residents navigate the complex enrollment and renewal process, reduce paperwork-related terminations and maintain access to affordable options through Medicaid and the ACA marketplace.
At the same time, new investments are being directed toward strengthening the capacity of free and charitable clinics — expanding hours, modernizing facilities and adding staff in underserved areas. The Health Foundation of South Florida is among the regional funders helping coordinate and support these efforts, recognizing that prevention and preparedness must go hand in hand. The goal is to ensure that no matter where someone turns, care remains within reach.
Together, these strategies represent a collective commitment to building a more resilient local health system — one that prevents coverage loss where possible and reinforces the community clinics that serve those who still fall through the cracks.
Free and charitable clinics have become a critical pillar of South Florida’s health system — no longer just a last resort, but a trusted source of care for thousands. They help families manage chronic conditions, access preventive services and see a doctor even when coverage slips away.
But the strength of that system depends on all of us. Policymakers can protect and expand coverage programs while investing in the infrastructure that keeps clinics open. Employers and philanthropic partners can continue creating good local jobs that come with insurance and stability. And residents can support and advocate for the community providers that keep care within reach for all.
If we act now — by helping more residents keep their coverage, creating jobs that sustain it and investing in the clinics that care for those who still fall through — we can protect South Florida’s safety net and build a health system ready for what’s next.
Protecting access to care is more than a health issue; it’s an investment in the region’s future. When more families have coverage and consistent access to care, South Florida’s entire economy and community thrive.
Janisse Rosario-Schoepp is chief strategy officer for Health Foundation of South Florida.
By Janisse Rosario-Schoepp
This article originally appeared in the Miami Herald.
Free and charitable clinics have become a critical pillar of South Florida’s health system.
Florida is entering another period of health coverage uncertainty. More than one million residents are projected to lose insurance in the coming year with upcoming cuts to Medicaid and federal Affordable Care Act supports ending. Because Florida has benefited the most from the premium tax credits and ACA marketplace, Florida will be most harmed by subsidy cuts. The impact will be felt most in South Florida, where uninsured rates already exceed the state average — 16.7% in Miami-Dade, 15% in Broward and about 16% in Monroe County.
Without action, safety net clinics including free and charitable clinics could soon be overwhelmed as more residents turn to them for essential care. Many of those walking through their doors will be people who never imagined needing this kind of help — even those who once dismissed free clinics altogether.
The challenge now is twofold: help more residents stay insured and ensure the clinics that serve those without coverage have the capacity to meet rising demand.
Across South Florida, a network of local partners is working to reinforce both sides of the safety net — keeping people covered while expanding the reach of community clinics that provide care when coverage is lost.
Through collaborative efforts involving the Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Hispanic Unity of Florida, Catalyst Miami, the Florida Health Justice Project and others, the Health Foundation of South Florida is helping residents navigate the complex enrollment and renewal process, reduce paperwork-related terminations and maintain access to affordable options through Medicaid and the ACA marketplace.
At the same time, new investments are being directed toward strengthening the capacity of free and charitable clinics — expanding hours, modernizing facilities and adding staff in underserved areas. The Health Foundation of South Florida is among the regional funders helping coordinate and support these efforts, recognizing that prevention and preparedness must go hand in hand. The goal is to ensure that no matter where someone turns, care remains within reach.
Together, these strategies represent a collective commitment to building a more resilient local health system — one that prevents coverage loss where possible and reinforces the community clinics that serve those who still fall through the cracks.
Free and charitable clinics have become a critical pillar of South Florida’s health system — no longer just a last resort, but a trusted source of care for thousands. They help families manage chronic conditions, access preventive services and see a doctor even when coverage slips away.
But the strength of that system depends on all of us. Policymakers can protect and expand coverage programs while investing in the infrastructure that keeps clinics open. Employers and philanthropic partners can continue creating good local jobs that come with insurance and stability. And residents can support and advocate for the community providers that keep care within reach for all.
If we act now — by helping more residents keep their coverage, creating jobs that sustain it and investing in the clinics that care for those who still fall through — we can protect South Florida’s safety net and build a health system ready for what’s next.
Protecting access to care is more than a health issue; it’s an investment in the region’s future. When more families have coverage and consistent access to care, South Florida’s entire economy and community thrive.
Janisse Rosario-Schoepp is chief strategy officer for Health Foundation of South Florida.
