Florida Insurance Quoter

Reform Timeline for Medicare and Health Insurance

2011-08-31T08:10:00.000-07:00

Prescription Drug Discounts:

Effective Jan. 1, 2011, under the health care reform legislation, enrollees who fall in the so-called "Part D donut hole," an annual gap in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, will get a 50 percent discount on covered non-generic prescription medications. Additional savings on both generic and non-generic prescriptions will be phased in over the next ten years until the "donut hole" is entirely closed by 2020.

Free Preventive Care for Seniors:

Effective Jan. 1, 2011, seniors who receive Medicare will become eligible for additional preventive services at no out-of-pocket cost. These services will include one wellness check each year and the development of personalized plans for preventing illness.

Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Health Care :

Effective Jan. 1, 2011, the legislation provides for a new Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation to begin testing ways of delivering care to patients to improve the quality of care and develop ways to reduce the cost of health care for Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). By Jan. 1, 2011, HHS will present a national strategy aimed at improving the quality of government health care.

Preventing Unnecessary Hospital Readmissions:
Effective Jan. 1, 2011, the Community Care Transitions Program will aid high-risk Medicare recipients who have been released from the hospital by coordinating care and connecting patients to community services to avoid unnecessary readmissions.

Bringing Down Costs In Health Insurance:

Beginning Oct. 1, 2011, the Independent Payment Advisory Board will begin developing and presenting proposals to Congress and the president to protect and improve benefits for enrollees and keep the Medicare Trust Fund alive and well. Its goal is to eliminate waste, find ways to reduce the cost of health care, improve health outcomes and make quality care more accessable for Medicare enrollees.

Increasing Access to Services:

Effective Oct. 1, 2022, the Community First Choice Option will allow states to offer home and community-based services as an alternative to institutional care to the disabled through Medicaid.

Community Health Centers:

Effective 2011, the new legislation allows for new funding to help communities build and expand community health centers and broaden the services they offer, with the aim of providing service to an additional 20 million patients across the U.S.

New Accountability for Insurance Companies

Reducing Premiums:

Effective no later than Jan. 1, 2011, at least 85% of all premiums paid into large employer plans must be spent on health benefits and care quality improvement. At least 80% of all premiums paid into individual and small employer plans must be spent on health services and quality improvement. The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to spend more on patients and less on administrative costs or return money to consumers through rebates.

Addressing Overpayments and Strengthening Prescription Drug Coverage
Effective Jan. 1, 2011, the new law will begin gradually eliminating overpayments to companies that provide Medicare Advantage. Currently, insurance companies receive, on average, more than $1,000 more per person than Medicare Part A. This results in increased premiums for recipients as well as increased costs overall. Medicare Advantage recipients will continue to receive their Medicare benefits, while insurance companies that provide high quality care will receive bonus payments.

2012 Health Care Reform Timeline for Improving Quality and Reducing Costs

Linking Quality of Care to Payment:

Effective Oct. 1, 2012, health care reform legislation will require the Value-Based Purchasing program (VBP) to begin offering financial incentives to hospitals to improve the quality of the care they provide. Performance reports will be available to the public and will include measurements of a hospital's effectiveness at treating heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia. In addition, the reports will include information about a facility's surgical care, their rate of hospital-borne infections and patients' ratings.

Integrated Health Systems:

Effective Jan. 1, 2012, doctors will receive incentives to come together to form "Accountable Care Organizations" that will allow doctors to better coordinate patient care, improve the quality of care they deliver, help prevent illness and reduce unnecessary admissions. Organizations that effectively improve care and save money will be entitled to some of the money they have saved.

Reducing Overhead:

Beginning Oct. 1, 2012, the health care industry must begin working toward standardizing billing and adopting and implementing practices that ensure secure, confidential, electronic exchange of health information.

Narrowing the Health Care Gap:

Effective in March, 2012, federal health programs must begin collecting and reporting racial, ethnic and language data in order to aid in understanding and combating existing health disparities. This data will be reported to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to be used to identify and fight disparities in health care.

Expanding Access to Affordable Care

New Options for Long-Term Care:

Effective Oct. 1, 2012, the new health care reform legislation will create a voluntary long-term care insurance program to be known as CLASS that will provide monthly benefits to adults who become disabled.

For more information in Florida regarding health care and health insurance, click here.

Florida Auto Insurance Information

2011-08-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Florida Auto Insurance Information

Florida Insurance Quoter is pleased to provide auto insurance in Florida. We offer low cost auto insurance options online even if you have a less than perfect driving record, have never been insured before, have let your policy lapse, or have had your coverage suspended or revoked.

We’ve provided some information below that we hope will be helpful in answering some of the more common questions we’ve received from our customers.
Mandatory Minimum Level of Coverage

Florida’s minimum coverage is $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL) as long as you have a valid Florida tag, even if the vehicle is in another state or inoperative. There are no exemptions in the law. Additionally, if you have been involved in an accident, or have been convicted of certain offenses, you may be required to purchase Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Florida Auto Insurance
What is “Personal Injury Protection” (PIP) insurance?

PIP is coverage that will compensate a loss due to injury regardless of who is charged with causing the crash. PIP applies to bodily injury to you, relatives who live in your home, and passengers who are not required to have PIP, as well as licensed drivers who drive your vehicle with your permission. PIP insurance also protects you if you are injured as a pedestrian or bicyclist as long as the injury is caused by a crash involving a motor vehicle.
What is “Property Damage Liability” (PDL) insurance?

This coverage pays for damages you or members of your family cause (and are liable for) to other people’s property in a crash involving a motor vehicle.
What is “Bodily Injury Liability” (BIL) insurance?

Bodily Injury Liability coverage pays for serious and permanent injury or death to others when you cause a crash involving your automobile. Your insurance company will pay for injuries up to the limits of your policy and provide legal representation for you if you get sued. In particular, your company pays for injuries caused by you or members of your family who live with you, even if they were driving someone else’s vehicle. It may also cover others who drive your automobile with your permission. This coverage also provides you with legal defense in the event you are sued by the injured party.

What if I fail to keep insurance on my vehicle that I have registered in Florida?
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is authorized to suspend your driving privilege, including your vehicle tag and registration, for up to three years or until proof of Florida insurance is provided, whichever is first.

If my driving privilege is suspended because I am not properly insured, is there a penalty to reinstate my license?
Yes. A reinstatement fee of $150 up to $500, for subsequent violations, must be paid and you must provide proof of current Florida insurance.
What if you’re currently driving without coverage?

For a more detailed view of how your policy will look, fill in out instant quote tool online here .

WellCare, United, others cheat Fla. kids program

2011-07-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

MIAMI -- Four private health insurers who wrongly claimed they spent millions on patient care in the state's children's health care program also provided coverage to patients in Florida's controversial Medicaid privatization program.

AmeriGroup Florida, Inc., Vista Health Plan, United Healthcare and WellCare were required to spend at least 85 percent on medical services under the State Children's Health Insurance Program in an effort to ensure for-profit companies are not lining their pockets with state funds instead of spending it on patient care.

If an insurer spends less, it must refund 50 percent of the shortfall to the state. Florida health officials should have received $3.1 million in refunds between 2003 and 2007, according to a report by the Department of Health and Human Services' inspector general.

The Associated Press obtained the insurers names as part of a public records request.

United Healthcare spokesman Tyler Mason said in an email that all participating plans with the state program provide quarterly reports for review to ensure payment accuracy and reconcile any issues based upon the contracted Medical Loss Ratios agreement.

The investigation comes as Florida is poised to expand a five-county Medicaid program statewide. Health advocates have criticized the state's lax oversight of the for-profit companies in the Medicaid pilot program, especially as news comes that the same insurers erred in other Florida health programs. Patients in the pilot complained they couldn't get appointments and were denied medications.

AmeriGroup, Vista and WellCare eventually dropped out of the Medicaid pilot, claiming they couldn't turn a profit. United is serving patients in Duval, Baker, Clay and Nassau counties after exiting Broward.

But after Gov. Rick Scott signed bills expanding the program statewide, experts say these companies and others will be clamoring for lucrative state contracts.

Supporters say the bills injected sorely needed accountability into the program, including a yearly, independent audit.

The bills don't require plans to spend certain percentages on patient care and administrative costs, but instead require them to repay profits over 5 percent to the state. To make sure you're covered correctly, have the lowest health rates in the state, contact us here.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/07/27/2333356/wellcare-united-others-cheat-fla.html#ixzz1TV77diGR

Florida Consumer Chief Backs Double-Digit Hikes for Allstate

2011-07-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

Florida’s consumer advocate says Allstate’s two Florida home insurers are among the state’s best run and deserve double-digit rate increases along the lines they have requested.

The Allstate units, Castle Key Insurance Co. and Castle Key Indemnity Co., which insure 266,000 homes, are seeking average rate increases of 31.2 percent and 35.7 percent, respectively. With their 800 agents, the two companies represent the fourth and sixth largest home insurers in the state.

At a recent public hearing, the insurers found unexpected support from the state’s Office of Insurance Consumer Advocate. Steve Alexander, actuary for the consumer office, said that out of the 47 Florida-exclusive insurers providing homeowners insurance in the state, the two Allstate insurers are among the most efficient when it comes to costs. “They have some of the lowest expenses in the state, which I think is a real plus,” he said.

He also applauded their willingness to do business in Florida with all the risk that entails, when they could be earning a guaranteed quarter of a point on a one-year U.S. Treasury bond.

Alexander recommended that Castle Key Insurance Co.’s proposed 31.2 percent increase be reduced to 23.7 percent. He also recommended that Castle Key Indemnity’s proposed 35.7 percent increase be increased to 46.9 percent on the basis that it be phased in over a two year period

Within his recommendation, Alexander suggested that Castle Key receive no increases for debt service or contingency fees, he did recommend a profit component of 10 percent, which is slightly higher than the nine percent sought by the companies. He also recommended a 1.5 percent factor for general expenses and a 5.1 percent factor for acquisition and overhead expenses.

Bonnie Gill, vice president for Castle Key, said double-digit rate increases are needed to shore-up the insurers’ claims paying ability in the event of single or multiple-year storms. She said that even without any recent major losses, the companies are not raising enough cash. At the same time, by law, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund is also scaling back the amount of reinsurance it can offer companies.

“With our ongoing losses since 2006, we don’t have enough money to cover claims,” Gill said, adding that the companies combined surplus dropped by three percent last year.

Gill said that due to the state catastrophe fund’s scaling back, the companies had to spend $143 million to secure $900 million in private reinsurance, a price tag that represented more than half of the companies’ annual premiums.

OIR Actuary Bob Lee noted that Castle Key used the new AIR-12 hurricane model, which was recently approved by the Florida Commission on Hurricane Loss Methodology, which had an effect on the companies’ exposure.

Shantelle Thomas, senior actuary for Castle Key, defended the AIR model’s use. “We believe the new model is the best to date and that it should be considered in the rates,” she said.

Earlier this year, the Castle Key insurers announced they would no longer write new business. Thomas said the companies are considering a number of other underwriting changes depending on the results of the hurricane season, its loss experience, and a review of credits to policyholders for taking steps to strengthen their homes. To make sure you have the lowest insurance costs and best coverage, contact us here.

Feds Moving on Health Care Law, Gov. Scott Not Budging

2011-07-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

Federal regulators charged with implementing the Affordable Care Act stated Monday they are trying to work with states to start up the law’s health care "exchanges" -- exchanges are one-stop consumer markets for buying insurance.

But they said they will install a federal health care exchange if a state refuses to set one up on its own.

The news carries weight for Florida, because Gov. Rick Scott, who first came onto the political scene as a staunch opponent of the federal overhaul of health care signed into law by President Barack Obama last year, is not moving from his stance that state agencies should not begin implementing the law.

The health care exchanges -- scheduled to be in place by January 2014 -- are touted as a more transparent way for individuals to compare health insurance policies’ coverage and prices online, over the phone or in person. They can be set up by the states themselves, done locally or regionally, or operated by a nonprofit, or can be done in partnership with the federal government.

States will be in charge of selecting plans in the exchanges, but they must meet minimum coverage and quality standards set forth by the federal Health and Human Services agency. Those standards are scheduled to be released later this year.

HHS officials said the guidelines for the exchanges give states enough flexibility to adjust the federal exchanges to their unique circumstances, but the final say on what plans qualify will remain in federal hands.

“In terms of setting up an exchange and meeting minimum standards, those would still apply,” said Steve Larsen, HHS director of the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight.

The proposals and claims of flexibility for states did not thaw Scott’s position on the law, or its implementation.

“As proposals, we are not about to change our policy to start implementing Obamacare,” Scott spokesperson Lane Wright said.

Under the law, states must get approval from HHS for their exchange plan by January 2013, but a conditional approval can be given if a state is on track to be ready to implement its exchange plan by January 2014.

Larsen held out hope that states would get on board and begin to lay the groundwork for the exchanges; he stated the federal government would be ready to step in and impose an exchange system if a state did not do so.

“If a state on January 2013 has not received approval or conditional approval, then we would be able to have an exchange in place by 2014,” Larsen said.

Yet most states are trying to avoid the federally imposed exchanges.

Two federal judges have declared the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, which imposes a tax or penalty on individuals who do not obtain health insurance, unconstitutional. One of those rulings came from a Pensacola judge in a lawsuit filed by Florida and 25 other states against the health care law. The Atlanta 11th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in the case last month but has yet to issue a decision. In a separate lawsuit, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the individual mandate as constitutional last month.

The issue will likely be settled by the U.S. Supreme Court, but in the interim, states opposed to the Affordable Care Act are caught between readying themselves for it, or counting on its cancellation by the courts.

“All we know is that a (federal judge) in Florida has ruled it unconstitutional, so we’re not going to be implementing it,” Wright said.

Scott stated in February, after the ruling in the Florida case, that he did not anticipate the law being upheld and he would not move to implement it until its legal fate was settled. He insisted that Florida would be ready if the law was deemed constitutional, despite the lack of preparation.

“I personally always believed it was going to be repealed. We are not going to spend a lot of time and money with regard to trying to get ready to implement it,” Scott said at the time. To make sure your coverage for your health is up to date and affordable. go to our site.

Florida Homeowners Coverage Problems Resolved?

2011-07-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

It is the biggest gamble - homeowners insurance in Florida time at the helm of state government, one still condemned as reckless, irresponsible and a disaster waiting to happen.

Indeed, average property insurance premiums in Florida have fallen 16 percent since the Legislature approved a Crist-led reform package in the governor's first month in office in 2007.

And Citizens, the state-run insurer that is now Florida's largest insurer, has seen its reserves more than triple, making it more able to pay off storm damages.

The changes are dramatic when contrasted with what confronted the state just a few years ago, when runaway insurance costs were considered the No. 1 problem facing Florida.

From 2003 to 2006, average property insurance premiums nearly doubled, going from $949 to $1,635 annually, according to the state Office of Insurance Regulation.

More double-digit increases were forecast in 2007 and beyond as insurance companies sought to make up for nearly $40 billion in losses from eight hurricanes and four tropical storms that hit Florida in 2004 and 2005.

To make sure your florida homeowners coverage is up to date, please contact us here.

Seniors caught between cancer and the cost of treatment

2011-07-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

Seniors caught between cancer and the cost of treatment

Seniors caught between cancer and the cost of treatment and get help from the Florida Insurance Quoter.

Advancements in the treatment of cancer have led to chemotherapy now being available in pill form, as opposed to the traditional intravenous administration.
But because Medicare Part D plans are permitted to charge exorbitant copayments for the newest cancer drugs, which can run into the tens of thousands of dollars per year, many seniors may be forgoing life-saving treatment.

New research suggests that because of the sky-high cost of these drugs, one in six such beneficiaries elects not to fill his prescriptions. Medicare officials have not been able to determine whether these patients are getting older and less expensive drugs or whether they are abandoning their treatment altogether.

For their part, Medicare insurance companies point the finger at the pharmaceutical companies, who they say are gouging a vulnerable segment of the population. In fact, some of these “blockbuster” drugs were developed using taxpayer-funded research. Predictably, big pharma blames the insurance industry for charging a higher co-payment for drugs than for some other medical services.

Still others fault the entire program, which allows insurers to place certain costly drugs in a higher tier than others and charge copayments of 25 percent of the cost of the medication. These “specialty tier” drugs are not covered by Medigap. “This is a benefit design issue,” said Avalere Health president Dan Mendelson, according to the Associated Press. Currently, there are no plans to restructure Medicare Part D.

For more on cancer, see:

Seniors fear cancer and Alzheimer’s

Health update: New 'virtual' colonoscopy

Costly Provenge gets Medicare seal of approval

Advancements in the treatment of cancer have led to chemotherapy now being available in pill form, as opposed to the traditional intravenous administration.
But because Medicare Part D plans are permitted to charge exorbitant copayments for the newest cancer drugs, which can run into the tens of thousands of dollars per year, many seniors may be forgoing life-saving treatment.

New research suggests that because of the sky-high cost of these drugs, one in six such beneficiaries elects not to fill his prescriptions. Medicare officials have not been able to determine whether these patients are getting older and less expensive drugs or whether they are abandoning their treatment altogether.

For their part, Medicare insurance companies point the finger at the pharmaceutical companies, who they say are gouging a vulnerable segment of the population. In fact, some of these “blockbuster” drugs were developed using taxpayer-funded research. Predictably, big pharma blames the insurance industry for charging a higher copayment for drugs than for some other medical services.

Still others fault the entire program, which allows insurers to place certain costly drugs in a higher tier than others and charge copayments of 25 percent of the cost of the medication. These “specialty tier” drugs are not covered by Medigap. “This is a benefit design issue,” said Avalere Health president Dan Mendelson, according to the Associated Press. Currently, there are no plans to restructure Medicare Part D.

For more on cancer, see:

Seniors fear cancer and Alzheimer’s

Health update: New 'virtual' colonoscopy

Costly Provenge gets Medicare seal of approval

WASHINGTON BUREAU -- The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) says Internal Revenue Service (IRS) top managers must do more to ensure smooth implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
IRS officials are not doing enough to ensure on-time and on-target implementation of the 47 PPACA provisions that it will be responsible for complying with through 2018, James White, a GAO director, writes in a report summarizing the GAO's findings.

“While implementation for some provisions is years away, making improvements to the planning process now would reduce risks and might minimize future problems,” White says.

To ensure compliance, the IRS “must improve aspects of its planning, particularly at an agencywide or strategic level,” White says.

The RS has defined strategic-level goals and project plans in multiple documents but has not integrated the goals or plans, White says.

White says the GAO has given briefings to members of Congress and their staff on its findings, starting June 8, in response to lawmakers' concerns that the IRS would not be able to properly implement PPACA provisions on their effective dates.

In its briefings, GAO officials have said that the IRS management team has not developed a timeline for developing performance measures and collecting associated data.

The IRS also has not provided a cost estimate for all of PPACA, and the risk management framework does not assure that all risks, especially strategic-level risks, are identified and analyzed, White says.

The GAO is recommending that the commissioner of Internal Revenue move to define program goals and develop a project plan in one document that effectively integrates all aspects of the program.

The GAO also is recommending that top IRS managers document a schedule for developing performance measures that link to program goals and develop a more complete cost estimate that is consistent with the GAO Cost Estimating Guide.

Top managers also should modify and document the IRS risk management approach, to have more assurance that all risks, including strategic-level risks for the program, “are identified and analyzed, and that mitigation options are assessed,” White says.

The GAO acknowledges that the IRS management team has generally followed leading practices in planning to implement the PPACA provisions, White says.

The GAO also acknowledges that top IRS leadership has been involved; that cost estimates for information technology projects have specified ground rules and assumptions, data sources, and supporting calculations; and that work has started on compliance controls.

White notes that risks are being identified and analyzed at the individual project level.

OTHER COVERAGE THE IRS ROLE IN IMPLEMENTING PPACA FROM NATIONAL UNDERWRITER LIFE & HEALTH:
IRS Gives Nonprofit Plans, Hospitals More Time to Comply with PPACA
PPACA: IRS Starts to Design Health Plan Quality Research Fee
PPACA: IRS Looks at Group Health Definitions
IRS Might Issue ACO Guidance
PPACA Stars at IRS Budget Hearing

To make sure you are up to date on this and all medicare information, contact us at here

Take Care Of Your Health

2011-06-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

It's time to take charge of your health! Schedule an appointment with your health care provider to discuss what preventive health services you need and when you need them.

You may also want to start a campaign in your community (i.e. a faith-based setting, workplace, school, or civic group) to encourage others to make an appointment for a check-up or health screening on National Women's Check-Up Day (the day after Mother's Day each year) or National Men's Health Week (the week before Father's Day each year).

Why are Check-Ups Important?

Regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they start. They also can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better. By getting the right health services, screenings, and treatments, you are taking steps that help your chances for living a longer, healthier life. Your age, health and family history, lifestyle choices (i.e. what you eat, how active you are, whether you smoke), and other important factors impact what and how often you need services and screenings.

To make sure you have the most savings in health insurance, contact us at

Florida Federal Judge Declares Individual Mandate and the Reform Law Unconstitutional Appeal to Supreme Court Likely

2011-02-01T12:23:00.000-08:00

PPACA Still the Law of the Land

Since the individual mandate is not effective until 2014, the court’s ruling has no immediate impact and does not affect ongoing implementation of the PPACA. Unless and until the Supreme Court decides otherwise, the law remains in effect.

CIGNA is continuing its PPACA implementation and remains compliant with those provisions already effective.

On Jan. 31, 2011, Florida U.S. District Court Judge Roger Vinson, declared the "individual mandate" of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) unconstitutional, ruling the government cannot require Americans to purchase health insurance starting in 2014. Vinson concluded that, "Because the individual mandate is unconstitutional and not severable, the entire act must be declared void."

The Department of Justice will appeal the decision in this case, which was filed in March 2010 by Florida and joined by 25 other states. The constitutionality of the individual mandate is expected to eventually be decided by the Supreme Court.

In December 2010, a Virginia federal district court decided against the individual mandate, but didn't declare the entire law unconstitutional. Two earlier decisions in Virginia and Michigan found the mandate constitutional. Other cases are pending while several other lawsuits have been dismissed.

Under the PPACA, starting in 2014, individuals must be enrolled in a health insurance plan that meets basic minimum standards. Health care exchanges, also starting in 2014, will provide a new insurance marketplace where individuals and small businesses can buy qualified health benefit plans.

Next Steps

It's still unknown if the Supreme Court will agree to bypass the federal appeals courts and hear the appeal of one of the federal court decisions. It's likely to be some time before there's a final decision. For updated information as the case progresses, please visit www.floridainsurancequoter.com

For more information or to see if your health policy is current with health care reform visit us at www.floridainsurancequoter.com.

WSJ -

2010-11-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

The Obama administration is loosening health-law rules so employers can switch insurance carriers without having to abide by new coverage requirements.

The law requires most insurance plans to provide free preventive care and give enrollees new powers to appeal coverage denials. However employers can shield themselves from those requirements if they don't make significant changes to their policy.

Some employers said the law presented them with a dilemma: keep their current plan and swallow sharply rising premiums, or switch plans and be forced to add all the new benefits.

In the new guidance released Monday, the Department of Health and Human Services said employers can keep their grandfathered status even if they switch plans, as long as they don't significantly cut benefits or increase costs for enrollees.

The change gets to the larger issue of whether employers can keep their existing plans if they like them—a central promise of Democrats when they crafted the law President Barack Obama signed in March. HHS officials said Monday that the previous system gave insurance companies unfair leverage in negotiating the price of coverage renewals.

The biggest beneficiaries will be small employers, which were among the hardest hit during a round of double-digit rate increases by insurance carriers this fall. Many small businesses fretted whether it would be more expensive to absorb the rate increases, or to beef up their plans so that they complied with all of the law's new requirements.

The change doesn't affect large employers that pay out their own insurance claims and use an insurer only to administer the coverage, since the previous rules already allowed those employers to switch carriers.

HHS officials said the change will result in a small increase in the number of plans that retain their grandfathered status. The agency projects that about 66% of small employer plans and 45% of large employer plans will relinquish their grandfathered status by the end of 2013.

Others have given higher figures. The consultancy Towers Watson estimates that 85% of employers will lose their plan's grandfathered status by 2013, according to a survey released in September.

Under the new guidance as well as the old, several changes could cause an employer to lose the protection. An employer can't increase co-payments by more than $5, raise deductibles more than 15%, decrease the percentage of premiums the employer pays by more than five percentage points or increase the proportion of care paid for by the enrollee. The rules do allow increases for medical inflation.

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For more information on your group or to get an individual quote, go to www.floridainsurancequoter.com

Why Is Health Insurance So Expensive?

2010-10-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

Reading Cafe: Why Is Health Insurance So Expensive?

Who pays for COBRA coverage?

2010-10-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

Beneficiaries may be required to pay for COBRA coverage. The premium cannot exceed 102 percent of the cost to the plan for similarly situated individuals who have not incurred a qualifying event, including both the portion paid by employees and any portion paid by the employer before the qualifying event, plus 2 percent for administrative costs.

For qualified beneficiaries receiving the 11 month disability extension of coverage, the premium for those additional months may be increased to 150 percent of the plan's total cost of coverage.

COBRA premiums may be increased if the costs to the plan increase but generally must be fixed in advance of each 12-month premium cycle. The plan must allow you to pay premiums on a monthly basis if you ask to do so, and the plan may allow you to make payments at other intervals (weekly or quarterly).

The initial premium payment must be made within 45 days after the date of the COBRA election by the qualified beneficiary. Payment generally must cover the period of coverage from the date of COBRA election retroactive to the date of the loss of coverage due to the qualifying event. Premiums for successive periods of coverage are due on the date stated in the plan with a minimum 30-day grace period for payments. Payment is considered to be made on the date it is sent to the plan.

If premiums are not paid by the first day of the period of coverage, the plan has the option to cancel coverage until payment is received and then reinstate coverage retroactively to the beginning of the period of coverage.

If the amount of the payment made to the plan is made in error but is not significantly less than the amount due, the plan is required to notify you of the deficiency and grant a reasonable period (for this purpose, 30 days is considered reasonable) to pay the difference. The plan is not obligated to send monthly premium notices.

COBRA beneficiaries remain subject to the rules of the plan and therefore must satisfy all costs related to co-payments and deductibles, and are subject to catastrophic and other benefit limits.

To go over your COBRA coverage or to see if you can save money by going to an individually underwritten medical insurance policy by Blue Cross and Blue Shield as well as other carriersor , please contact us at quotes@floridainsurancequoter.com or apply online at http://www.floridainsuracequoter.com

Under COBRA, what benefits must be covered?

2010-09-21T06:28:00.000-07:00

Qualified beneficiaries must be offered coverage identical to that available to similarly situated beneficiaries who are not receiving COBRA coverage under the plan (generally, the same coverage that the qualified beneficiary had immediately before qualifying for continuation coverage). A change in the benefits under the plan for the active employees will also apply to qualified beneficiaries. Qualified beneficiaries must be allowed to make the same choices given to non-COBRA beneficiaries under the plan, such as during periods of open enrollment by the plan.
For more information or to see how if you can move your COBRA coverage to a more affordable option, visit www.floridainsurancequoter.com

Can individuals qualify for longer periods of COBRA continuation coverage?

2010-09-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, disability can extend the 18 month period of continuation coverage for a qualifying event that is a termination of employment or reduction of hours. To qualify for additional months of COBRA continuation coverage, the qualified beneficiary must:

Have a ruling from the Social Security Administration that he or she became disabled within the first 60 days of COBRA continuation coverage
Send the plan a copy of the Social Security ruling letter within 60 days of receipt, but prior to expiration of the 18-month period of coverage

If these requirements are met, the entire family qualifies for an additional 11 months of COBRA continuation coverage. Plans can charge 150% of the premium cost for the extended period of coverage. For more information or to secure an online quote, go to www.floridainsurancequoter.com.

Is a flood covered under my homeowners policy?

2010-08-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

No, a standard homeowners policy does not include flood coverage. Flood is an inexpensive yet separate policy that is underwritten through FEMA and the rates are standardized so no matter what company your policy is through, the premium is the same. If your property is not in a flood zone, rates are as follows:

Building/Contents Premium

$20,000/$8,000 $119
$30,000/$12,000 $150
$50,000/$20,000 $201
$75,000/$30,000 $237
$100,000/$40,000 $264
$125,000/$50,000 $284
$150,000/$60,000 $303
$200,000/$80,000 $333
$250,000/$100,000 $355

For more information, or to see if you are covered, contact us at www.floridainsurancequoter.com or 1-877-4FLA-INS

How long after a qualifying event do I have to elect COBRA coverage?

2010-08-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

Qualified beneficiaries must be given an election period during which each qualified beneficiary may choose whether to elect COBRA coverage. Each qualified beneficiary may independently elect COBRA coverage. A covered employee or the covered employee's spouse may elect COBRA coverage on behalf of all other qualified beneficiaries. A parent or legal guardian may elect on behalf of a minor child. Qualified beneficiaries must be given at least 60 days for the election. This period is measured from the later of the coverage loss date or the date the COBRA election notice is provided by the employer or plan administrator. The election notice must be provided in person or by first class mail within 14 days after the plan administrator receives notice that a qualifying event has occurred.

Note: If your qualifying event was involuntary termination of employment that occurred on or after September 1, 2008 through February 16, 2009, you may be eligible for an additional election opportunity under ARRA. For more information see the questions below or visit www.floridainsurancequoter.com or call 1.877.4FLA.INS to speak to a Benefits Advisor.

How do I get cheaper rates in health insurance?

2010-08-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

It's not about getting cheaper rates for your health insurance, it's about being a smarter buyer and looking at your options on what carriers are offering what.

In my case, I went to www.floridainsuarancequoter.com and received all of my options online and then contacted them with my concerns. I'm a pretty healthy guy with no major medical issues so I received comparable rates with reputable companies. Anyone with issues (medically) will sometimes throw up a red flag.

Their quoting tool is really streamlined and shows me all of the options in one place. I guess they really have gotten it down to a science! Thanks Florida Insurance Quoter!!

Why did my auto insurance rates go up after a ticket even though I went to traffic school?

2010-08-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

The short answer to this question is that traffic school does nothing for you except remove the points from your license. It is a fallacy that your insurance company will not find out about a ticket if you go to school; school or not, your rates will increase by the same amount. Unless you are about to lose your license for too many points, don’t bother going to traffic school…and definitely don’t do it save your auto rates. For a free comparison on auto insurance or health insurance instantly, go to www.floridainsurancequoter.com

Why did my auto insurance rates go up after an accident that wasn’t even my fault?

2010-08-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, from an auto insurance perspective, an accident effects your rates regardless of fault. It doesn’t seem right, but it’s just the way it is.

For better rates on your car insurance, go to www.floridainsurancequoter.com

5 Years After Hurricane Katrina: Know the Steps Every Homeowner Should Take

2010-08-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

Video: 5 Years After Hurricane Katrina: Know the Steps Every Homeowner Should Take

2010-08-02T11:49:00.001-07:00

â€œWhy is my homeownerâ€™s insurance company requiring me to have a fence or screen enclosure around my pool when my pool complies with all county codes?â€

http://bit.ly/b5XR8I

“Why is my homeowner’s insurance company requiring me to have a fence or screen enclosure around my pool when my pool complies with all county codes?”

2010-08-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

This is a very good question that comes up a lot. As a general rule, all insurance companies require that a swimming pool be enclosed by a 4 foot, permanent fence or a screen enclosure, regardless of whether or not your county code requires it. And a baby fence does not qualify as it is not a permanently installed fence. This causes a problem for many homeowners and the only real option is to either purchase a homeowners policy that excludes pool liability or to bite the bullet and install a fence.

Why did my insurance company send an inspector to look at my property?

2010-07-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

This is a common practice for all insurance companies. When a new policy is issued, and normally upon policy renewal, Insurance companies will send a representative to your property to perform an EXTERIOR inspection on your house. The purpose of this inspection is to make sure the property is in good condition and there is no existing damage or liability risks. Do not be alarmed, you have done nothing wrong, this is common industry practice. Once again, this is an EXTERIOR inspection only and no one should request to come into your house.

2010-07-20T13:47:00.001-07:00

Why Is Healthcare Going Out Of Control?

The Obama Government mission to tackle the U.S. Healthcare system is no easy project, as there are so many components that need fixing. Do you fix the increasingly high cost of healthcare, or expand the coverage to a universal system, or try to digitalize (read â€œcomputerizeâ€ or make electronic)? The Obama Government will try to do all three and more.

The U.S. Healthcare system has the reputation of being the highest quality in the world, but is it the â€œbestâ€? What does being the â€œbestâ€ entail? Michael Moore in his recent documentary â€œSickoâ€ compares the U.S. Healthcare system with that of Canada, France, Cuba, and the UK, and while I have not seen this movie, the U.S. Healthcare system does not come out well.

According to a New York Times article (August, 12, 2007) entitled â€œWorld's Best Healthcare?â€, the World Health organization (WHO) made a first attempt back in 2000 to rank health systems in 191 nations. The U.S. ranked 37th in this study, and France and Italy ranked first and second. Yet another more recent assessment by the Commonwealth Fund ranked health systems in advanced nations, and the U.S. ranked last or next-to-last compared to 5 other countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, and the UK.

Stay tuned as there is more to come......

www.floridainsurancequoter.com

2010-07-19T13:16:00.001-07:00

When is the health reform going into effect?

Just to clarify a few tidbits, Florida Insurance Quoter wanted to give you a few pieces of information below:

Within a year-

-- Provides a $250 rebate to Medicare prescription drug plan beneficiaries whose initial benefits run out.

90 days after enactment

-- Provides immediate access to high-risk pools for people who have no insurance because of preexisting conditions.

2011

-- Requires individual and small group market insurance plans to spend 80 percent of premium dollars on medical services. Large group plans would have to spend at least 85 percent.

2013

-- Increases the Medicare payroll tax and expands it to dividend, interest and other unearned income for singles earning more than $200,000 and joint filers making more than $250,000.

2014

-- Provides subsidies for families earning up to 400 percent of the poverty level -- or, under current guidelines, about $88,000 a year -- to purchase health insurance.

-- Requires most employers to provide coverage or face penalties.

-- Requires most people to obtain coverage or face penalties.

2018

-- Imposes a 40 percent excise tax on high-end insurance policies.

By 2019

-- Expands health insurance coverage to 32 million people.

Health News Florida

2010-07-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

Health News Florida

Policyholders start filing insurance claims related to BP oil spill

2010-07-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

Policyholders start filing insurance claims related to BP oil spill

Are You Ready For Hurricane Season?

2010-06-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

Tips for Weathering Hurricane Season

Experts are predicting a 51 percent chance that a major hurricane will hit the East Coast before the hurricane season ends in December. Similarly, the chance of a major hurricane hitting the Gulf Coast between the Florida Panhandle and Brownsville, Texas, is predicted at 50 percent. Both predictions are well above long-term averages, which signals a potentially active hurricane season.

The Colorado State University's Department of Atmospheric Science expects ten Atlantic Ocean hurricanes this year, five of which they say will be intense, ranging from Category 3 (111 mph) to Category 5 (sustained winds of 156 mph or more).

While 2009 was a below average year, it was just a few years ago that hurricanes Katrina and Rita physically devastated the Gulf Coast. Some areas still have not fully recovered.

Imagine how you would feel realizing the day after a hurricane tears through your neighborhood that you don't have wind or flood insurance, which together provide the bulk of coverage against hurricane damage. Let the experts at Florida Insurance Quoter make sure you are ready. Call 1-877-4FLA-INS or go to www.floridainsurancequoter.com today.

Flood Issues and Florida

2010-06-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

The statutory authority to issue flood policies pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) expired at midnight, Monday May 31, 2010. This lapse in the NFIP statutory authority has an impact on the ability of companies to issue new policies, and process some renewal payments and increase in coverage endorsements. This hiatus is expected to last until at least June 8th. Until the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is renewed by Congress, each lender has the authority to determine how they will handle the hiatus. In some instances, lenders will close the loans and not require flood insurance for closing since it is currently unavailable. Other lenders will opt to close the loan with a copy of the check and the application since the policy cannot be issued. In some cases, lenders will not close a loan.

Tax Reform Plan Could Reduce Tax Bite

2010-06-01T08:36:00.001-07:00

Tax Reform Plan Could Reduce Tax Bite

May 26, 2010 | CNNMoney.com

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CNNMoney.com
May 25, 2010 Tuesday 2:33 PM EST
SECTION: YOUR MONEY
LENGTH: 852 words
HEADLINE: Tax reform plan could reduce tax bite for many
BYLINE: By Jeanne Sahadi, senior writer

Tax reform. For years, economists, tax experts and lawmakers have pushed for it, to no avail.

But now there is a bipartisan tax reform proposal from two prominent senators that has earned praise in policy circles and may jump-start serious consideration of the idea over the next year -- a year marked by growing concern over U.S. debt.

Done right, experts say, tax reform should simplify the tax code, increase fairness and apply taxes at lower rates to a broader base of activities.

Among the goals: decrease tax avoidance and increase economic competitiveness.

The Bipartisan Tax Fairness and Simplification Act of 2010 -- put together by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., -- arguably could do much of that to some degree.

And in the process, more taxpayers than not could see their federal tax burdens fall, according to a new analysis from the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center.

Among the changes, the Wyden-Gregg proposal would eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax and reduce the number of individual income tax rates from six to three -- 15%, 25% and 35%.

It would more than double the standard deduction to $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for joint filers.

The proposal would also change how capital gains and dividends are taxed. It calls for a capital gains exclusion: The first 35% of long-term gains and qualified dividends would be tax free and the remainder would be taxed as ordinary income.

That effectively would raise the long-term capital gains rate to 22.75%, up from 15% today (or 20% starting in 2011).

Tax-free savings would be expanded. The proposal would create a Lifetime Savings Account and it would consolidate all types of IRAs into a single Retirement Savings Account. Between the two accounts, a person could save up to $7,000 a year tax free (up to $14,000 for married couples) on top of their 401(k) savings.

It would repeal, restructure or consolidate a number of tax breaks for individuals. The plan, for instance, would kill flexible spending accounts for workers who wish to put away tax-free money to pay for health costs. That change alone would raise $567 billion over 10 years.

But to make sure the proposal remains "politically viable," Gregg said at a forum in March, it preserves the two most popular -- and expensive - tax breaks on the books: the mortgage interest deduction and the health care tax exclusion for workers whose employers subsidize their health insurance.

And the plan would permanently extend the recently expanded earned income tax credit, the dependent care credit and the child tax credit.

On the corporate income tax, the Wyden-Gregg proposal would replace today's six rates with one flat rate of 24%, well below the current top rate of 35%. Economists have long argued that a lower corporate rate would make the United States more competitive internationally, attracting more investment from companies abroad.

In exchange, the proposal repeals a number of corporate tax credits, deductions and exclusions.

The effects of change

The Wyden-Gregg proposal would increase by about $23 billion a year the amount of revenue brought in on the individual side, the Tax Policy Center estimates. At the same time, it would reduce corporate revenue collected by $22 billion.

So the net effect of the proposal is to produce roughly the same amount of revenue overall as today's system. That assumes current policies, such as the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, stay in effect over the next decade.

But that doesn't mean everyone's tax bite would be the same as it is today. The Center estimates that on average the top 20% of households would see their tax bite go up under the proposal. Within that group, the Center estimates 61% of households would see a tax increase, while 39% would likely see their federal tax burden go down.

The bottom 80% of households, meanwhile, would see their tax bite on average fall.

The Center's analysis does not factor in how people might respond to the changes proposed. Researchers said if they did such a dynamic analysis they would expect the amount of revenue collected overall to decline somewhat.

The conservative Heritage Foundation arrived at a different conclusion after conducting its own dynamic analysis, using different methodologies and assumptions than the Center. Heritage estimates that the proposal could reduce the deficit by an average of $61 billion a year; spur foreign investment in the United States and create 2.3 million jobs a year.

What's next

The Wyden-Gregg plan -- already introduced as legislation -- is just a first step in the tax-reform discussion. Chances are near nil that Congress would seriously reconfigure the tax code in a mid-term election year.

But Gregg, who sits on the president's bipartisan fiscal responsibility commission, is likely to draw on the proposal as the commission considers how best to generate sufficient revenue in efforts to stabilize U.S. debt without hurting economic growth.

To the extent that fellow lawmakers on the commission support some of the Wyden-Gregg measures, the better the chance those measures will get a fuller hearing when the next Congress convenes.
LOAD-DATE: May 26, 2010

Unacceptable!

2010-06-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

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2010-05-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

Challenging Health Care Reform: Updates from Wisconsin, Florida, and Oklahoma

Monday, April 26, 2010

FNC

This is a rush transcript from "On the Record," April 23, 2010. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated.

GRETA VAN SUSTEREN, FOX NEWS HOST: First stop, the great state of Wisconsin. State Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen wants to sue the feds but he needs approval from the Wisconsin state assembly or the Wisconsin state Senate or the Wisconsin governor. So far, well, the Wisconsin Senate, House, and governor all say no.

So, now what? Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen joins us live. Good evening, sir. So a "no" from the assembly, Senate and the governor?

J.B. VAN HOLLEN, WISCONSIN ATTORNEY GENERAL: It is. We're 0-3, Greta, but the good news is we're not out of time. As I mentioned on your show before, the part of the law that is the most egregious doesn't go into effect until 2014. And in Wisconsin, we're going to have a new governor in a few months.

So I think there is still a great possibility. But we're going to be on hold until the first of the year now here in Wisconsin.

VAN SUSTEREN: You have Democratic governor right now and the Republican governors have been more anxious to go after the health care bill. Tell me what is the race like for governor if you think you might have a new governor by November?

VAN HOLLEN: The incumbent isn't running so he won't be there. There are two Republicans and a Democrat right now, running and the polls are close.

I think with the political climate not just in Wisconsin but nationally the prognosis for one of the Republicans getting elected is high. Both of them made it very, very clear they would give me the approval to file the lawsuit, and so hopefully one of them will get elected and we'll be able to proceed after the first of the year.

VAN SUSTEREN: Is there any ability for you, and I'm going to be rather flip, to go rogue? Could you go and represent yourself? Not as the attorney general, but any other vehicle you could get Wisconsin into this litigation?

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Not that it matters tremendously, because no matter what happens with the litigation, it affects you whether you're in it or not.

VAN HOLLEN: There really isn't, Greta. There are ways for individual citizens impacted by the legislation to be able to file a lawsuit. But for me to do so individually I wouldn't have standing. I could only do as attorney general.

And certainly, if I didn't do it as attorney general I wouldn't represent the state or the citizens of the state. So me individually suing would be no different than anyone, and it really wouldn't make much sense. And I think ultimately we have a good chance of being able to get in the lawsuit down the road anyway.

VAN SUSTEREN: Do you agree that even if you don't get the lawsuit, should attorneys general prevail, since it's -- that would in a sense invalidate the statue and it would inure it to your position?

VAN HOLLEN: Absolutely. All we have to do is win one case and one federal district. Whether it's one of the attorney general based lawsuit or an individual who is bringing a lawsuit in the nation.

As soon as a federal district court finds that this law is unconstitutional, they will have an opportunity to enjoin the federal government from enacting whatever portion of the federal law they found unconstitutional, whether it's a small part or half of it or the entire thing.

And when that is done it will impact all of us. Once the law is enjoined from being implemented it will be enjoyed for the sake of the whole nation. So we definitely have great representation with others out this, but we want to be involved in this for important reasons as well.

VAN SUSTEREN: Attorney general, thank you, sir.

Now to the home of the NFL's number one draft choice, the state of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma attorney general is not suing the federal government, but that is not stopping the speaker of Oklahoma state house. Oklahoma State House Speaker Chris Benge joins us live. Good evening, sir.

So you want to go full speed ahead, I understand, and join the lawsuit.

CHRIS BENGE, OKLAHOMA STATE HOUSE SPEAKER: Good evening, Greta. Yes, we are. We feel like the debate that went on in Washington, basically the Congress ignored the vast majority of Americans. And so we're going to take up the cause ourselves and try to add to the momentum and try to bring this thing to a critical mass so we can challenge the constitutionality of the federal law.

VAN SUSTEREN: So your attorney general doesn't want in. But you want in. So are you going out and looking for the lawyer?

BENGE: Well, that is correct. Our attorney general made it very plain he was, he was really not interested himself in filing suit. He did state he would if we forced him to do, so but we felt with that attitude his effort would be lackluster at best.

So we have chosen to try to go it ourselves. And we will be looking for possibly attorneys out there that they may want to assist or use their own resources.

VAN SUSTEREN: And as a practical matter, every Oklahoma lawyer who hears this for or against the suit will probably knock on the door after watching tonight and offer to do it at no charge, because this is a fascinating intellectual issue for a lawyer. And I bet you get 100 lawyers volunteering to do it at no charge.

BENGE: I would expect we'll have a lot of interest in this.

VAN SUSTEREN: What is your governor's view on this?

BENGE: I had not had a discussion with the governor about it, so I'm not sure what his position is at this point, but we will find out, because we do have a piece of legislation moving through the process that would call for opt out of the new federal healthcare law.

And then also it has a piece in there that would allow the legislature to pursue it on its own. The government will have a chance to -- go ahead. I'm sorry.

VAN SUSTEREN: Remind, is the governor Democrat or Republican in your state?

BENGE: Our governor is Democrat governor.

VAN SUSTEREN: That's why you're not speaking to him much, I guess, as I look at politics goes in this country.

BENGE: Actually, Greta, to be honest, we have a good relationship with our governor. But I don't know how he stands on this particular issue.

VAN SUSTEREN: Speaker, thank you, sir. We'll be watching.

BENGE: Thank you.

VAN SUSTEREN: Now to Florida, where Floridians are about to vote directly on health care. Not through their politicians in Washington.

The Florida State Senate and State House passed a resolution the citizens vote on in November. It's a proposed state constitutional amendment that would ban the government from forcing people to buy health insurance. Florida State Senator Kerry Baker sponsored that resolution and joins us live. Good evening.

CAREY BAKER, FLORIDA STATE SENATOR: Good evening, Greta.

VAN SUSTEREN: Well now, this is an interesting new twist that you put on the November ballot. Do -- I mean even if it is actually voted in favor, do you expect it to have any sort of teeth? Or is this mostly ceremonial and to make a point?

BAKER: No, no. This is real, Greta. This is about challenging the unconstitutional healthcare act. And I think what is more important is, as the fourth largest state, we are a voice to be heard. And this was passed in the Florida house, in the Florida Senate. Of course, you know our attorney general is bringing suit.

So there is a tremendous ground swell of Floridians that are demanding health freedom. And this constitution amendment will give them a chance to speak their voice in November. And it cannot be ignored.

VAN SUSTEREN: You know, it's going to be interesting, because your attorney general is spearheading this, filed a federal district court in Florida. And it should probably be resolved in the trial court level probably by October, that portion of it.

What you have to do is whether or not the interstate commerce clause covers this or doesn't, gives authority or doesn't to do this health care regulation. And then it will go up to the court of appeals and make its way up eventually to the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, how does your amendment change that? How is it different?

BAKER: It's different only in the sense it makes a huge statement about where Floridians feel on this issue, as well as it will be a November issue.

We'll pass it in November and placed in our constitution. It can't be rescinded by the legislature. It's there forever to protect Floridians not only against the unconstitutional acts by the federal government but also protects Floridians from the state government that oversteps its bounds.

And Greta, my partner in this, Representative Scott Plakon and I have been working on this issue since last June. There is overwhelming support and we think we are on tremendous sound constitutional grounds. I think this will be a game-changer.

VAN SUSTEREN: Could you have define it by statute and moved it a little faster?

BAKER: Well, actually, we're working on that as well. To support the Attorney General Bill McCollum, I am working this now, trying to add a statutory piece to give us immediate standing in court, and then we'll follow that up with our constitutional amendment in November.

VAN SUSTEREN: Does your statute mirror the statute that is in existence in state of Virginia? The state of Virginia has gone its own way and they have their own statute saying that Virginia can't compel it. Is your statute in Florida going to look like the Virginia statute?

BAKER: It will. It will -- not identical, but the general theme that Floridians have the right to not participate in some government mandated program, that they have the right to decide for themselves what healthcare plan is best for them and their families. So the intent is identical.

VAN SUSTEREN: State senator, thank you, sir. We'll be watching this as well. Thank you, sir.

BAKER: Thank you.

A New Storm In Florida

2010-05-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

Healthcare reform battle brews in Florida

Sen. Mel Martinez and two Republican colleagues addressed a healthcare forum in Hialeah while state Democratic leaders denounced a GOP TV ad.

McCain, Martinez, McConnell pitch Republican answer to healthcare reform

Republican Senators Mel Martinez of Florida, John McCain of Arizona, and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky made a closed-door appearance at Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah Tuesday to pitch their party's answer to healthcare reform.

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WellCare, United, others cheat Fla. kids program

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How long after a qualifying event do I have to elect COBRA coverage?

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Unacceptable!

Challenging Health Care Reform: Updates from Wisconsin, Florida, and Oklahoma

Column Archive

Video

Show Info

Airs Weekdays at 10 p.m. ET

A New Storm In Florida

Healthcare reform battle brews in Florida

Sen. Mel Martinez and two Republican colleagues addressed a healthcare forum in Hialeah while state Democratic leaders denounced a GOP TV ad.

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BY BETH REINHARD

breinhard@MiamiHerald.com