TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Health Care Plan is seeing a sharp increase in applications as federal subsidies tied to the Affordable Care Act expire.
County officials say interest in the program has surged in recent weeks, with enrollment up 15% compared to last year.
The rise comes as thousands of residents across the county face the possibility of losing health insurance coverage in the coming months.
What You Need To Know
As many as 20,000 Hillsborough County Residents will be impacted this year by expiring ACA Subsidies
The Hillsborough County Health Care plan says it has seen a 15% increase in the number of enrollees compared to last year
The State of Florida has been firm in it’s decision to not expand Medicaid to make-up for the loss of ACA subsidies
For more information on Hillsbourough Counties Health Care Plan, visit https://hcfl.gov/residents/health-care-plan
County leaders say the timing is no coincidence.
As ACA subsidies end, many residents who previously relied on those discounts are now searching for affordable alternatives.
Those losing ACA subsidies in Florida are seeing 200%-300% increases for health insurance coverage
The county’s health care plan, designed to serve uninsured and underinsured residents, is expected to become even more popular through the spring and summer.
For cancer survivor Nicole Hernandez-Chapman, the program has been life-changing.
“One of my goals was to be able to stand on a chair and change a lightbulb and get down safely,” she said. “And I did that recently, and it was amazing.”
Just last April, Hernandez-Chapman weighed more than 300 pounds, paid for medical care out of pocket, and had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
At one point, she relied on a wheelchair and struggled with everyday tasks.
“I had a wheelchair at one point. I couldn’t tie my own shoes,” she said.
She qualified for the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan, which covered her surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing training.
Today, she is 80 pounds lighter and says she’s in the best shape of her life.
When asked what her past self would think of her progress now, Hernandez-Chapman reflected on how far she’s come.
“I don’t think that person knew that I could succeed at what I am doing now,” she said.
County officials say stories like Nicole’s highlight the importance of the program, especially as more residents are expected to lose coverage.
Health Care Plan Director Kevin Wagner estimates that between 200,000 and 300,000 Hillsborough County residents currently receive ACA subsidies. Initial reports suggest about 20,000 people could lose their insurance immediately, with more potentially affected in the months ahead.
“We know there are two to three hundred thousand people in Hillsborough County that get the subsidies,” Wagner said. “The initial reports are 20,000 people will lose their health insurance right away, and more during the spring and summer months.”
The county is encouraging residents to learn more about the health care plan by hearing directly from those already enrolled.
Residents interested in learning more about the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan can find additional information here: https://hcfl.gov/residents/health-care-plan