Florida Health Insurance Program Now Open to More Residents

Jan. 5, 2009 – Unemployed Florida residents today can begin enrolling in the state’s health insurance program, Cover Florida, without first having been uninsured for six consecutive months as required for other beneficiaries by state law, Florida Health News reported today.

The Florida state law that required residents to be uninsured for six consecutive months to qualify for the state health insurance program originally was intended to prevent employers and individuals from dropping their health insurance coverage to join the state-sponsored program, according to state officials. But the recent economic downturn has increased state and national unemployment rates, and state officials moved to help ensure Florida residents continue to have access to affordable health care and health insurance coverage.

Holly Benson, administration secretary for the State Agency for Health Care, said that during negotiations over the past six months the state eliminated the requirement for people who recently became unemployed. But Florida residents who recently have lost their jobs and already signed up for COBRA health insurance will not be eligible for the Cover Florida health insurance program.

“Considering the number of people who are worried about losing their jobs, this is a really attractive alternative for them,” Benson said.

The exemption from the six months without health insurance requirement applies to Florida residents who recently have lost their jobs, those who have lost a spouse either through death or divorce if that spouse provided employer-sponsored health insurance coverage and state resident who have exhausted the health insurance coverage they held through the federal COBRA program.

“Floridians are one step closer to having the affordable, quality health insurance options they deserve,” Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said. “Floridians who have been looking for health coverage will have the opportunity to purchase a Cover Florida plan, which will allow regular medical checkups that can help give Floridians peace of mind.”

Cover Florida will offer 25 private health insurance plans managed by six health insurers that lack some coverage elements required under state law so that they can be sold at more affordable prices. State health officials in December signed contracts with the health insurance companies, and residents can begin enrolling in the program today.

“If you are uninsured, Cover Florida gives you the opportunity to take charge of your own health care. All Cover Florida benefit plan options include a robust set of benefits,” Crist said. “The cost of coverage varies, depending on your age, gender and whether you choose preventive coverage or catastrophic and hospital coverage.”