Florida Could Save $700M Annually With Improved Access to Primary Care, Study Finds

There are about 3.8 million uninsured Florida residents and eight million state residents "lack access to a regular source of primary health care," according to a report to be presented to state lawmakers this week, the Miami Herald reports. According to the report by researchers at George Washington University, more basic health screenings and preventive care would reduce costly emergency department visits and greater access to primary care could generate $700 million in savings annually for the state.

The Florida Association of Community Health Centers plans to use the study to support its call to the state Legislature for increasing funding for state community health centers and public clinics from $15.3 million to $31 million in 2010, according to the Herald. FACHC President Andrew Behrman said, "We're not asking for a lot," adding, "And it could do a lot to help Florida." The group also supports increasing the state cigarette tax by $1 per pack. FACHC said the $31 million could come from the Lower Income Pool, which is funded by federal and local taxes for health care facilities that provide care to low-income and uninsured residents. An LIP council, led by large public hospitals, currently makes recommendations to the state Legislature about how the funds from the pool should be used (Dorschner, Miami Herald, 3/14).