Medicaid is the primary payer for nursing home care in Florida — and the only way that two-thirds of nursing home residents can afford help with daily tasks such as eating, bathing and dressing.

A coalition of Florida health advocates is sounding the alarm over a federal budget proposal that could make unprecedented cuts to Medicaid. A budget blueprint approved by the House this week is expected to cut billions in federal Medicaid spending as part of a plan to help renew and fund new and existing tax cuts.

At least 20 states have settled with Centene over its pharmacy benefit manager operation that coordinated the medications for Medicaid patients.

Florida doesn’t have as many residents on Medicaid as it could because it hasn’t implemented an Obamacare provision that would allow more low-income people to enroll in the program. Even so, Floridians could be affected by cuts to Medicaid, which is funded jointly by the state and federal government.

Nurses, dental therapists and optometrists could perform expanded duties in hopes of expanding access to health care.

Medicaid provides crucial healthcare coverage for eligible low-income individuals and families in Florida. Though the state has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Ac

That delicate balance is now at risk. Congress began its budget reconciliation process on Feb. 25, and Medicaid is in their crosshairs. Any changes will inevitably trickle down to Florida, so will state lawmakers’ response be nimble enough to avoid leaving federal dollars on the table?

House Republicans signaled they’re going full steam ahead on significant changes to Medicaid, despite pressure from Democrats and even some moderates in their party.

Find out how the proposed Medicaid budget cuts could affect millions of enrollees and the health centers they rely on.

Medicare is the government health insurance for Americans age 65 or older, regardless of their income. Medicaid is primarily for people who have not reached retirement age, and it largely serves the poor. Some who are disabled or older qualify for both types of coverage.