December 10th message from Governor Charlie Crist

Dear Friends,

Today, Floridians are one step closer to having the affordable, quality health insurance options they deserve. This morning, six insurers signed contracts with the State of Florida and became authorized to begin selling Cover Florida benefit options in less than one month. Beginning January 5, 2009, Floridians who have been looking for health coverage will have the opportunity to purchase a Cover Florida plan.

For 3.8 million uninsured Floridians, the number-one barrier to accessing health care is lack of health insurance. If you are one of these Floridians – or if you know someone who is – I encourage you to learn more about Cover Florida. If you have gone without health insurance, then you know what it means to worry that an illness or accident could run up costly doctor and hospital bills. You know what it means to not see a doctor, even when you suspect a health problem, only to find yourself in an emergency room later with a serious medical crisis and an expensive bill.

If you are uninsured, Cover Florida gives you the opportunity to take charge of your own health care by getting regular medical check-ups as well as peace of mind. Cover Florida insurers offer innovative health insurance products to Florida applicants who have been without insurance for at least six months. They are affordable, and they are guaranteed – even if you have pre-existing health conditions. If you have recently lost your employer-sponsored insurance because of job loss or another reason, you can still qualify – and you can take your coverage with you if you change jobs.

All Cover Florida benefit plan options include a robust set of benefits, such as coverage for preventive services, screenings, and office visits, as well as office surgery, urgent care, prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, and diabetic supplies. The costs of plans vary, depending on your age, gender and whether you choose preventive coverage or catastrophic and hospital coverage. Typically, the Cover Florida option is considerably less expensive than the insurer’s standard insurance product.

No tax dollars are required to create the Cover Florida health insurance plans. Instead, six private insurance companies have partnered with the State of Florida to offer 25 health insurance products. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and United Health Care will be available in all 67 Florida counties. In addition, four counties will have further options. Residents of Broward County can also choose Medica Health Plan of Florida and Total Health Choice. Miami-Dade County also will have Medica Health Plan of Florida, Total Health Choice and JMH Health Plan. Flagler and Volusia counties will have one additional carrier, Florida Health Care Plans.

I am grateful to the 2008 Legislature for their unanimous approval of the Cover Florida Health Care Access Program. If you do not have health insurance and think you may qualify, I encourage you to learn more about Cover Florida by visiting www.CoverFloridaHealthCare.com. It just might be the health insurance you have been looking for.

May God bless you and keep you healthy.

Governor Charlie Crist