TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)--It's a regular trip to the doctor for some mothers and their kids, but in Gadsden county it may not be as easy for some people to have the same access to health care.
"In Gadsden county we have a number of people who are uninsured and as result we have people who aren't able to afford health care," said Howard McKinnon.
Howard McKinnon, the Gadsden Community Health Council chairman says more than 12,000 residents in the county are un-insured.
Gadsden also ranks 63 out of 67 counties in health
"That's one reason why health numbers and health disparities are where they are is not the only reason but one of many reasons," said McKinnon.
McKinnon says the county has a high infant mortality rate, obesity, strokes, and even more health issues..
lawmakers in both the house and senate have proposed plans to expand medicaid, to cut down on the millions of Floridians they say are uninsured.
Residents in the county say the expansion is necessary.
"Well I'd like to see everybody be able to go to the doctor and get and get the health care that they need."
"It will effect us greatly because a lot of people have indigent care right now so that will give them free access to get medical that they so greatly need in this county," said Auburn Ford, former Midway City Manager
While the debate is surely not over, either way McKinnon can only hope lawmakers will come up with a plan that gives "all residents" access.
"If that's one person that cannot access health care, than that's one too many," said McKinnon.
