Florida’s 2020 Census undercount has far-reaching consequences—especially in healthcare. With an estimated 750,000 people uncounted, the state is projected to lose between $11 billion and $21 billion in federal funding for critical programs like Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP by the end of the decade. These losses not only impact Florida’s healthcare infrastructure but also limit access to essential services for millions of residents.
This Florida TaxWatch report examines how inaccurate census data leads to misallocated healthcare resources, gaps in medical services, and billions in lost funding that Florida taxpayers must make up. It also highlights how the undercount affects federal funding formulas, potentially reducing Florida’s Medicaid matching rate and costing the state $2.3 billion in lost federal healthcare funds annually.
As Florida prepares for the 2030 Census, ensuring a full and accurate count is critical to securing the healthcare funding the state deserves. Read our full analysis to understand the financial and policy implications of the census undercount—and what must be done to correct course before the next count.