More than 100 nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals from Jackson Healthcare will travel to Tallahassee Wednesday to lobby for medical expansions and funding.
“It’s the big issue in Tallahassee this year,” said nurse Denise Glass. “People in South Florida, especially those who can’t afford it, or either fall out of the ranks of a period where they might not be able to afford their own health care deserve to be covered somehow someway.”
Doctor at Marathon Finish Line: "It Was Like War"
The group will speak in behalf of chronically ill patients who can’t afford health insurance but make a little too much to qualify for Medicaid.
The will tell other personal stories of their patients, including stories who have died early because they were not able to afford insurance coverage.
Gun Control Bill Headed for Debate After Clearing 1st Hurdle
On Wednesday, Glass spoke about a recent patient who was a professional but could not cover the costs of health care because of his disability. He was unable to qualify for treatments and died of a severe heart condition.
“Unfortunately we didn’t have that plan is place,” Glass said. “That’s why we are going up there, so that we can convince lawmakers that this is medically necessary for many people.”
Couple Arrested for Vandalizing Miami Animal Hospital After Dog's Death
Jackson stands to get $35 million from Medicaid expansion, which would cover more than 5,000 annual admissions of uninsured patients coming through the Jackson Emergency Room.
The Medicare bills will be debated in Tallahassee this week.
More Local Stories:
- Proceeds From Lauderdale Air Show Will Benefit Boston Marathon Attack Victims
- North Miami Beach Police Warn Against Charity Scams Following Boston Marathon Bombing
- Woman Called 911 "Because She Was Lonely," Deputies Say
Photo Credit: NBC 6 South Florida