The new Cover Florida Health Care Program goes into effect on January 5, 2009. Under the bill that Governor Charlie Christ signed in May of 2008, uninsured residents will be able to buy health care insurance. There are some restrictions to the program, however.
The Governor stated that the lowered premiums offered by the plans and the expanded access for coverage to those who otherwise wouldn't have been insured, were his primary goals. The plans will likely limit the number of hospital stays and also will be exempt from regulations mandated by the state.
It has been reported that there are six insurers who've signed on and agreed to provide 25 different plans to the citizens, and that the average plan premium will be approximately $155 per month. Christ stated that the plan was all about helping people and giving them freedom and choices regarding their health care, where they didn't have it before.
This is a positive step in the right direction for many, even though the deductibles in the plan will approach $3000 for a family plan. The plan is a step toward a focus on health care instead of sickness care.
The Cover Florida plans will provide access to health insurance to more than 3 million who would otherwise never be able to find coverage in the individual market. Pre-existing conditions will not be a factor in getting coverage. The Florida health insurance plan is available for all residents between 19 and 64 who have not been covered for at least the prior six months.