Crist signs health insurance bill to give limited coverage

22 May, 2008

Adam Fisk has a decent job as a surgical tech that includes a health insurance plan sponsored by his employer.

But he and his wife Michelle can't afford the nearly $700 a month it would take to participate.

The Tampa couple has two children who are covered through government programs, but if Adam or Michelle get sick or injured, they'll have to pay for their health care themselves. They're two of the roughly 3.8 million Floridians who are just one illness or accident away from serious financial problems.

"They offer it, but we can't afford it," Michelle Fisk said of her husband's employer. "We'll pay out of pocket."

Gov. Charlie Crist hopes legislation he signed into law Wednesday will help people like the Fisks, encouraging them to get at least some health coverage that will allow them to get basic preventive care, and coverage for hospitalization, drugs and other potential needs.

People shouldn't have to worry about getting sick ruining their finances, Crist said.

"We're the richest country in the history of the world," said the governor, who said putting a dent in the number of uninsured was one of his top priorities.

The measure may result in companies offering policies early next year that may cost as little as $100 to $150 a month.

The Legislature passed the bill unanimously earlier this month.

The bill creates a state program that will negotiate with insurers to create policies aimed at 19-64-year-olds who don't have health coverage. The policies would be free from many of the state mandates for coverage — such as requirements for how many days patients must remain in the hospital after a procedure.

Source : http://www.naplesnews.com