The announcement followed a report released today that said expansion would create 71,300 jobs by 2016. That research came from a joint report from Families USA and Florida CHAIN, a statewide consumer health advocacy group.
A recent Georgetown University study found that Florida would save about $300 million in 2014 and $100 million in 2020, even after Florida takes on 10% of Medicaid costs. In the initial years of expansion, the federal government will cover all expansion costs as part of the 2010 health care law.
"It will reduce the number of people who can't afford health care, it will increase the number of jobs throughout the state, and it will strengthen the state's economy," said Ron Pollock, executive director of Families USA. "This is truly a hallelujah moment for working families throughout the state, and it augurs well for other Republican governors making the same decision for their states."
