Pier 3 Condo

The new Cover Florida Health Care Program goes into effect on January 5, 2009. Under the bill that Governor Charlie Christ signed in May of 2008, uninsured residents will be able to buy health care insurance. There are some restrictions to the program, however.

While the coverage will not be perfect, it is a movement in the right direction. In addition to the fact that the plans won’t cover some state mandated regulations, they also may limit other services such as hospital stays. The Governor’s primary goal in providing these plans was to get lower premiums.

Christ has hailed the plan as addressing health care needs of children, of seniors, of unemployed to give them freedom and choices regarding their health. The average monthly premium under the plan is said to be $155 and it has been reported that there are six insurers who’ve signed on and who’ve compiled a portfolio of 25 different plans to fit different needs.

This is a positive step in the right direction for many, even though the deductibles in the plan will approach $3000 for a family plan. The plan is a step toward a focus on health care instead of sickness care.

The Cover Florida plans will provide access to health insurance to more than 3 million who would otherwise never be able to find coverage in the individual market. Pre-existing conditions will not be a factor in getting coverage. The Florida health insurance plan is available for all residents between 19 and 64 who have not been covered for at least the prior six months.