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Floridians Enroll In Obamacare Despite Ongoing Political Debate

Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.
The Florida Channel
Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.

The political battle around Obamacare doesn’t seem to be factoring into Floridians' decisions to sign up. Florida leads the nation in Obamacare enrollment. And the state’s residents are once again signing up for the program at a record rate. That’s despite Republicans’ efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. 

Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.
Credit MGN Online
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The Florida Channel

Jodi Ray with Covering Kids and Families of Florida says politics isn’t part of the conversation.

“I have not seen consumers come in and decide whether they’re enrolling or not enrolling based on the political environment at all. That is not what they’re making decisions on. They’re making decisions on what they need. Do they need coverage?” she said. "The driver is what their healthcare needs are.”

Ray says her organization has been flooded with calls from residents trying to sign up for the Affordable Care Act. Statewide, the rate of enrollment is up from last year. But the overall number of consumers in the system is expected to drop, after the Trump Administration cut the enrollment period.

The deadline for this year’s open enrollment period is Friday. But Floridians affected by this year’s hurricanes have an extension until December 31 st.

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As a Tallahassee native, Kate Payne grew up listening to WFSU. She loves being part of a station that had such an impact on her. Kate is a graduate of the Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts. With a background in documentary and narrative filmmaking, Kate has a broad range of multimedia experience. When she’s not working, you can find her rock climbing, cooking or hanging out with her cat.