Florida Legislature Passes Health Plan To Offer ‘No-Frills’ Coverage to State’s Uninsured

The Florida Legislature on Friday passed a health insurance package that would allow insurers to offer "no-frills coverage to the state's 3.8 million uninsured" residents, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports. Under the plan, Florida residents ages 19 to 64 could purchase limited health coverage for as little as $150 per month. Insurers offering such plans would be exempt from state mandates requiring coverage for a range of items and procedures. The policies would cover preventive care and office visits but not care from specialists or long-term hospitalizations.

The final plan was a combination of Gov. Charlie Crist's (R) "Cover Florida" plan, which was supported by the state Senate, and a House proposal (Hafenbrack, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 5/3).

The package also would allocate $1.5 million to establish a corporation to help businesses with fewer than 50 employees negotiate health insurance rates, as well as handle premiums and claims (South Florida Sun-Sentinel graphic, 5/3).