Crist: Most small group insurers would offer inexpensive health insurance

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – April 23, 2008 – Over 93 percent of Florida’s small business insurers support Gov. Charlie Crist’s “Cover Florida” health plan that would offer coverage rates as low as $150 per month, according to the governor’s press office. Crist met with many of the insurers yesterday on his plan to allow the State of Florida to negotiate with health insurers to develop affordable health coverage for uninsured Floridians ages 19 to 64.

“The number of uninsured individuals in Florida is a tragedy we can avoid, and I applaud the health insurance companies here today for their willingness to step forward to meet the needs of the people of Florida,” Crist said. “I look forward to seeing the affordable benefits packages that insurers will develop.”

Crist’s office says that private insurers have said that the Cover Florida plan would allow them to create limited-benefit packages for about $150 per month or less. Benefits would include office visits, office surgery, behavioral health services, diabetic supplies, durable medical equipment and prosthetics, inpatient hospital stays, outpatient facility services and hospital emergency care services. Insurers would also competitively bid to provide supplemental coverage for vision, dental, cancer and discount medical options.

Representatives from the health insurance industry joining Crist were affiliated with AvMed Health Plan, Vista Health Plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Capital Health Plan, Amerigroup, Florida Association of Health Plans, United Healthcare and Preferred Medical Plans. Aetna, which was unable to have a representative at the meeting, also expressed support.

S.B. 2534, sponsored by Senator Durell Peaden of Crestview, would allow the State of Florida to negotiate with health insurers to develop affordable health insurance coverage. Employers would not be required to participate; however, employers would be encouraged to participate and receive tax benefits when cost-sharing premiums with employees.

Under the plan, policyholders would be able to carry dependents until age 30. Parents typically cannot carry dependents after age 25. The age 19 to 30 population has the highest rate of uninsured individuals, yet are typically healthier, and including this group should improve the insurer’s risk profile.

© 2008 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Questions, comments or suggestions on this article? Have a news tip? Send a letter to the editor to: Newseditor@floridarealtors.org.