Although research has shown that preventive care can identify health concerns before they develop into more severe and costly problems, cost and coverage are primary factors in whether preventive services are utilized. With the new changes to preventive services for those on Medicaid, through the Affordable Care Act, a new research brief from the Kaiser Family Foundation looks at the what those changes are and current state-level coverage of preventive services.

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), state Medicaid programs will not have to share in the cost of preventive services. Beginning January 1, 2013, under the ACA, state Medicaid programs will receive a 1 percent increase in federal matching payments (FMAP) for programs that provide preventive care services (without cost sharing), such as mammograms, depression screening, osteoporosis screening, STI counseling and screening and a number of pregnancy-related services.

Florida, has the third highest rate of uninsured women in the country, which could be reduced by half through expansion of Medicaid. Of women already on Medicaid, 32 percent report as to being in poor/fair health. 

Following the Supreme Court ruling that the Medicaid expansion is not required for states, Florida Gov. Rick Scott has said that Florida will opt-out.