Florida TaxWatch has released a report titled “The Consequences of a Census Undercount on Florida’s Healthcare Funding,” which examines the impact of census undercounts on healthcare funding in Florida. The report builds on a previous commentary from July 2022, highlighting the importance of accurate census counts for federal representation and funding.
Dominic M. Calabro, President and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, stated, “A complete census count secures Florida taxpayers’ fair share of federal representation and funding. In 2020, Florida’s census undercount cost the state one, potentially two, congressional seats and resulted in a loss of federal funding that will range from $11 billion to $21 billion by the end of the decade.”
Jeff Kottkamp, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Florida TaxWatch, emphasized the need for an accurate count in the upcoming 2030 Census: “Looking ahead to the 2030 census, it is critical Florida works toward a complete and accurate count of all people living in Florida to effectively maintain the delivery of healthcare services.”
The report outlines how census undercounts can severely affect healthcare planning and service delivery. Providers rely on census data to anticipate demands and allocate resources effectively. Undercounts may lead to underestimated population projections, causing inadequate infrastructure expansion or service gaps.
Medicaid is identified as particularly vulnerable to undercounts due to its funding structure based on population counts. The estimated loss from Medicaid matching dollars alone is around $2.3 billion.
As preparations for the 2030 Census begin, Florida TaxWatch encourages residents to stay informed about census issues, raise awareness about its importance, engage with businesses and government officials, and support community efforts for completing surveys.
Florida TaxWatch continues its role as an independent watchdog organization aiming to improve government accountability through research funded by donations.
