© 2026 WGCU News
News for all of Southwest Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Senate President: Don't Know Yet if We'll Expand Medicaid

Top Florida Democrats say the state has been "dragging its feet" on implementing the federal Affordable Care Act. But Senate President Don Gaetz , a Niceville Republican, says the Obama Administration gave states an "all or nothing" choice on a key part of the law.

Gaetz this week told a gathering of reporters in Tallahassee he doesn't know yet whether Florida will expand Medicaid, but he wishes the state had more discretion over who is eligible.

"I have a whole lot more concern about people who might be above the poverty line and are trying to find a way to provide care for a sick child – these are working poor folks – than I do someone who's an adult and chooses to sit on the couch", said Gaetz.

A poll last week found that 63% of Floridians favor accepting more federal money to cover more Medicaid recipients. 25% percent are opposed.

Trusted by over 30,000 local subscribers

Local News, Right Sized for Your Morning

Quick briefs when you are busy, deeper explainers when it matters, delivered early morning and curated by WGCU editors.

  • Environment
  • Local politics
  • Health
  • And more

Free and local. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

More from WGCU