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Every $1 cut in state Medicaid funding to Florida hospitals would reduce statewide revenue and income by an estimated $4, according to a study released last week by the Florida Hospital Association. The study by researchers at the University of Florida found that a hypothetical $100 million reduction in Medicaid funding to hospitals would reduce jobs by an estimated 2,187 and statewide revenue and income by $415 million.

Facing a budget deficit of several billion dollars, the Florida legislature is considering a 3%, or $90 million, cut in Medicaid payments to hospitals. “Florida’s hospitals are some of the largest employers in their communities, and deep cuts will have an impact that reaches far beyond the hospital grounds,” said FHA President Bruce Rueben in a news release. “Our state’s leaders should consider the short-term and long-term consequences of slashing budgets.”