Florida Small Business Health Insurance Law
Floridians without health insurance coverage may see a glimmer of hope with the creation of the Cover Florida Health Care Access Program. Created in 2008, it is meant for those who haven't had health insurance for six months or who can't sign up for Medicare or Medicaid. The state's health coverage plan for uninsured individuals offers limited benefit coverage and pays for basic and preventative care.
Benefits of Plan
The Cover Florida Health Care Access Program is designed for individuals between the ages of 19 and 64. Qualified applicants must have been without health insurance for at least six months and ineligible for public health insurance programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid. Exceptions to these eligibility guidelines include individuals who have been covered within the past six months under an employer-sponsored health plan and lost their job, if their spouse's employer offered insurance but they have since gotten a divorce or the spouse has died, or if they were covered under COBRA or "continuation-of-coverage" requirements and have exhausted their benefits.
Insurance Rates
Plans vary according to an individual's gender, age and insurance selection. Co-pays and deductibles vary; some individuals can receive coverage for as low as $25 a month. Generally, the plans do not offer hospitalization coverage. Studies of health insurance policies indicate that most rates run from between $160 to $400 a month. The state's website directs prospective enrollees to insurance companies where they can inquire about different plans.
Individuals May Transfer Coverage
If the insured leaves a job or finds himself unemployed, he still has coverage. While the insurance plan stays effective regardless of the insured's employment situation, he must still pay his premiums on time. The Florida Legislature designed this health insurance plan to cover the individual. The policy remains in effect even if the insured has no gainful employment. This is the case, as well, if the insured's previous employer paid a share of the premiums.
Plan Restrictions
This insurance program covers preventative services and doctor's visits as well as emergency care, some prescriptions and certain medical equipment. The plans minimize individuals' rates (and the state's costs) by restricting services, including the number of physician visits or duration of stays in a hospital. Participants need to contact the insurance company to determine whether they can stay with their preferred physician or see one on the company's network of providers.
Attorney General Suing the Feds
Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, a candidate for governor in the state's 2010 election, sued the federal government over Congress' passage of health care legislation. In May 2010, two months after the initial suit was filed, McCollum, who supports Cover Florida, amended the court case. Florida joined 19 other states, the National Federation of Independent Businesses and two business owners in the suit. They contend that the federal government has no right to force individuals to buy health insurance or face a fine. The Supreme Court is expected to take up the issue in 2012.
Help for Small Businesses Stalled
Under the Florida Health Choices program, an initiative signed by Governor Charlie Crist in May 2008, participating small businesses, with less than 50 employees, would have access to competitive services and insurance programs through an exchange. This proposal has been bogged down in issues related to its funding, but it could be up and running by the end of 2010.
Tags: Cover Florida, Florida Health, health insurance, health insurance, Access Program
