New research conducted for the
Florida Legislature shows that thousands of Florida women, especially
low-income blacks and Hispanics who are uninsured, are not getting
potentially life-saving mammograms, reports the Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Only 4 percent of low-income women on Medicaid get a mammogram, even
though Medicaid is supposed to cover the screen. "We cannot take this
lightly," said Republican State Senator Evelyn Lynn. "It's getting
harder and harder for people to have the access to this really basic and
really vital health service." Medicaid reimbursements are "at the heart
of the problem," according to the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers.
Twenty-one percent of all radiology centers in Florida will not accept
Medicaid, leaving long lines at those that do. Republican Governor Jeb
Bush wants to limit medical malpractice and restructure Medicaid.
