Hillsborough cuts health care for repeat felons (Florida) [View All]

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Fri, Apr. 08, 2005

Hillsborough cuts health care for repeat felons
Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. - Three-time felons will lose access to an indigent health care program under a policy approved by officials in one of Florida's largest counties.

Hillsborough County Commission voted for the policy 5-2 Wednesday. The county is cutting corners to avert a deficit in the $97 million Hillsborough HealthCare Plan, which is funded by a half-penny sales tax.

Two months ago, the plan's financial crisis prompted commissioners to temporarily eliminate eye exams and routine dental work and refuse patients who need catastrophic care.
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Commissioner Tom Scott said he wanted assurances that a felon who had reformed could eventually win back the benefit, which promotes preventive care and use of clinics instead of hospitals.

"You punish somebody forever. I have a real problem with that," Scott said.
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http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/local/11342738.htm