Florida House Passes Affordable Health Insurance Bill

Florida lawmakers pass a bill that extents the health insurance coverage to Florida's 3.8 million uninsured. This health insurance program will not cover all illnesses, but also will not cost as much, thus making it an affordable health insurance option for 3.8 million individuals and families in Florida that do not have health insurance coverage.

The state House passed a massive plan early Saturday morning to make bare-bones health insurance available that wouldn't cover all illnesses, but also wouldn't cost as much.

This huge health insurance plan was approved by the members of the House this morning following a long 16-hour floor session with a approving 70-39 vote.

The Florida Senate earlier had already passed an health insurance bill, which was less wide-ranging, but the goal of both plans is to provide cheaper and more affordable health insurance coverage so that some of the nearly four million uninsured Floridians might be able to afford medical insurance.

Florida law requires from the health insurance companies that more than one type of treatment be covered by health insurers. Thus, this bill would allow other health insurance companies to offer plans to individuals, families and self-employed people that cover less than those in the state plan with the idea that pared-down health insurance plans would be even cheaper and more affordable..

"The bill passed Saturday morning would allow the state to negotiate with insurance companies to provide policies that cover emergency care, prescription drugs, hospitalization and some other treatments, but not many of the types of care normally required. For example, they might not cover screenings for certain diseases, or transplants," reports AP.

According to Orlando Sentinel most House Democrats in Florida opposed the bill to provide more affordable health insurance because they support the Republican governor's plan -- but not the House's push for a "marketplace" of options, with the insurance companies determining what will and will not be covered.

Governor Crist's health insurance plan also has wide support. It is supported by the Florida Medical Association, Hospital Association, and leading business groups, and has been cast as more consumer friendly.