Thursday, 10 April 2008
Florida Governor Promotes New Health Plan
Florida Governor Charlie Crist is traveling around the state to promote his new healthcare plan. His proposal, which he introduced in February, would get rid of state mandates requiring insurance companies to cover certain healthcare services, reported Miami Herald.
Mandates drive premiums up, and Governor Crist’s proposal would help make certain plans much more affordable. The cheaper plans would be directed at employers and employees in small businesses, but anyone might be able to get more affordable coverage under Crist’s proposal.
Crist warns the new plans won’t provide the most comprehensive coverage. These plans would instead offer more basic benefits — including coverage for doctor’s office visits, inpatient and outpatient care, and emergency care.
“That’s not a Cadillac-type of plan. But at least it’s a plan that covers a lot of different types of concerns that cause worry,” explained Governor Crist.
The state Senate is expected to approve Crist’s proposal later this week.
In the state House of Representatives, they’re pushing their own healthcare bill to set up a public/private corporation which will offer non-mandated coverage for small business workers.
The House bill also allows children to stay on their parents’ plan until age 30, and makes it easier for low-income residents to become eligible for some state healthcare programs.
Governor Crist is strongly promoting these new healthcare bills, and expect them it to be passed within a month.
Technorati Tags: Florida health insurance legislation Charlie Crist insurance mandates
