WIMAUMA, Fla. - Billy Chapple was first misdiagnosed with pneumonia in 2024 before doctors discovered his lung cancer. His oncologist prescribed a specific type of chemotherapy tailored to his diagnosis. But under Florida’s Medicaid Medically Needy Program, his coverage remained inactive until outstanding bills were processed, leaving him without access to the prescribed treatment for months.

What we know:

It’s still unclear why the state repeatedly delayed or mishandled Chapple’s paperwork despite multiple submissions and a completed interview. It’s also unknown how many other Florida families face similar delays and denials through the Medically Needy Program—or whether Florida Medicaid will make any systemic changes to prevent these kinds of setbacks in the future.

Timeline:

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