Floridians get affordable health care

Way to go Governor Charlie Crist! The Cover Florida program which begins in January provides affordable health care options to all Floridians regardless of pre-existing health care. The program is a collaborative effort of 25 health insurance companies and the state to assure that every individual who is without health care and desires or  needs it will have access that is affordable and will cover at least the basics. The plans will have a wide range of costs to the consumer but they won't be as expensive as COBRA plans can be. Anyone who's ever paid a for COBRA after being dismissed or voluntarily leaving an employer knows how expensive and unaffordable paying for COBRA can be. It's not universal health care so those who are against that should be happy.

One feature that I think is really good about the program is that it will allow for coverage of preventative services, which is something that many health insurance companies still seem to have a hard time understanding is needed if we are ever to improve the health of the population and reduce health care costs. 

Here's what I think: 

I say KUDO'S to the Governor of Florida! It's about time that an elected official took the health care crisis seriously enough to bring together all the major players in the health insurance game and come up with a product that benefits the residents of Florida instead of benefitting only the corporations. I hope that now residents of Florida will take the time to learn about this program and take advantage of it. Hopefully the governor's office will do what is necessary in marketing the program and getting the word out so that people know it exists and will enroll in the program that best suits them.  Once people are able to get preventive care (checkups and treatment) it may be that Florida will see a healthier resident population. Then the number of uninsured can decrease.

What do you think? Let me know.