Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida TaxWatch released "Social Determinants of Health: Health Care Access and Quality," the first economic commentary in a series exploring social determinants of health as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The taxpayer research institute focuses on health care access and quality in this initial commentary.
Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro stated, “Health care is a critical component of Florida’s economy. Simply put, a healthy population allows for a healthy workforce, and a healthy workforce allows for a healthy economy. With that in mind, Florida TaxWatch believes it’s imperative for our leaders and policymakers to understand the various social determinants of health so they may build on innovative initiatives, like the Florida Senate’s recently enacted ‘Live Healthy’ legislation, that will address disparities in health care access and quality and ensure that, as the state continues to grow, it continues to succeed as well.”
According to Florida TaxWatch, cost is the most considerable contributor to health care inaccessibility. A 2019 survey of 1,200 Florida adults found more than half (55 percent) experienced health care affordability burdens in the past year, and more than three-quarters (78 percent) were worried about affording health care in the future. As of 2021, the state ranked 41st nationally in terms of overall health care and access.
Health care access is particularly limited in Florida's rural and low-income areas as well as regions with dense minority populations due to fewer healthcare facilities—a situation compounded by physician shortages and cultural barriers.
Another significant barrier identified by Florida TaxWatch is lack of health insurance. In 2022, Florida's uninsured rate was 11.2 percent compared to the national average of eight percent; consequently, the state ranked 46th nationally regarding its uninsured population.
The economic impact extends beyond individuals to local emergency departments—where many uninsured seek care—and government expenditures. From 2015 to 2017, an estimated $42.4 billion annually was spent on provider uncompensated care costs associated with caring for the uninsured; nearly 80 percent was covered through public funding.
Florida TaxWatch emphasizes that every Floridian should have access to essential and affordable healthcare services when needed. Achieving this will require decentralizing healthcare provision—bringing healthcare services directly to patients—and leveraging technological advances such as artificial intelligence for a better-connected system.
For further details or to read the full commentary, visit www.floridataxwatch.org.
About Florida TaxWatch:
As an independent nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute for over 45 years, Florida TaxWatch aims to improve productivity and accountability within Florida's government. Supported by voluntary donations from its membership base since its founding in 1979, FTW provides research recommending productivity enhancements while explaining fiscal policies' statewide impacts on taxpayers and businesses.