Florida Decides Healthcare announced Sunday it will relaunch its campaign to place Medicaid expansion on the ballot, beginning signature collection on February 1 for the 2028 election.

The organization previously aimed for the 2026 ballot but delayed its effort last September after new state legislation made signature gathering more difficult. HB 1205 imposed new barriers on citizen-led ballot initiatives.

The group cited the ongoing healthcare coverage crisis as a motivation to continue the campaign. Cuts to Affordable Care Act subsidies have pushed thousands of Floridians off their health coverage, with many seeing premiums double or triple. The organization estimates that one in five Florida residents could be uninsured in the coming year.

Executive Director Mitch Emerson said the campaign aims to give Florida voters a choice on the issue. The organization previously collected 200,000 signatures, raised over $6 million, and built a coalition of more than 100 grassroots organizations despite the new restrictions.

The proposed constitutional amendment would extend Medicaid coverage to adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, approximately $44,000 for a family of four. Florida currently limits Medicaid to those at or below 100% of the poverty line.

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