Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Pac-Man - Medicaid's Budget Consumption

Medicaid is paid by federal and state dollars. It has long been a thorn in the side of Florida’s budget planners and political leaders because it consumes a bigger chunk of the budget each year, squeezing funding for education, transportation and other services. The problem worsens in lean budget years and has led to a push by Republican leaders to shift to a managed care model, which they say could help control costs. Critics worry this change could lead to cuts in services to the poor, elderly and disabled who qualify for Medicaid.

Year Medicaid Costs (in billions) Percent of State Budget
2002-03 $11.4 23.6%
2003-04 13.1 25.2
2004-05 13.9 23.8
2005-06 13.9 22.5
2006-07 14.4 21.7
2007-08 14.8 23.0
2008-09 16.0 26.4
2009-10 17.9 28.9
2010-11 19.2 29.4
2011-12 20.2 29.1
2012-13 21.2 30.2
Source: Agency for Health Care Administration