Puerto Rican Gov. Luis Fortuno visits children at a Shriner's Hospital in 2007.
Health care jumped to the top of the issues heap in August 2009 when the U.S. Congress considered passage of a package that it hoped would bring health care to the masses. According to the American Federation of Labor, 47 million U.S. residents had no health insurance in 2008. In Florida, more than 3 million residents were uninsured in 2008. Florida residents, though, are discovering that health care is available to those who know obtain it. Even individuals with no income can obtain health care in the Sunshine State for minimal to no cost.
Free and Discounted Care
Due to concern for those without health insurance, some doctors and clinics offer free or reduced health care services. Call doctors' offices and hospitals to ask if they have discounted or free care and find out who qualifies.
According to a July 17, 2009, story in the Miami Herald newspaper, a South Miami radiologist began offering free mammogram screenings for women who lost their jobs and their health insurance. The paper reported that other doctors are offering discounts to needy individuals. According to Tony Prieto, president of the Broward County Medical Association, some doctors also are allowing patients to set up payment plans that make it more affordable to receive coverage.
Cover Florida
In 2008, the Florida legislature approved the Cover Florida health care access program. Gov. Charlie Crist touted it as a way to make health care affordable for 3.8 million uninsured Florida residents. The program began covering qualified Florida residents on Jan. 5, 2009.
Six private insurance companies partnered with the State of Florida to create a plan for low-cost coverage for those who cannot afford regular coverage. Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Health Care are two of the private insurers. They are available in all 67 Florida counties. According to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Florida plan, Florida residents pay $50 for office visits and $15 for prescription drugs.
Under Cover Florida, the insurers create health care programs for Floridians who have been without insurance for at least six months or who are recently unemployed. Residents with pre-existing conditions still qualify. Coverage is voluntary.
Cover Florida provides benefits for preventive services, screenings, office visits, office surgery, urgent care, prescription drugs, diabetic supplies and medical equipment. No state tax dollars were used to fund the program. Typically, Cover Florida does not cover hospitalization.
Rates for Cover Florida vary based on the applicant's age, gender and chosen benefit options. Coverage starts at as little as $23.70 per month. Coverage is available for children, too. Florida families who qualify can also add coverage for children under the Florida Kid Care program.
Medicaid and Medicare
Florida Medicaid is a state and federal partnership that provides health coverage for low-income individuals, including those who have disabilities. Medicaid rules vary by state. In Florida, the Department of Children and Families determines eligibility for low-income children and families. The Federal Social Security Administration, meanwhile, determines eligibility for those with disabilities. Each program has its own asset and income requirements.
Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage for individuals age 65 or older and some disabled individuals under age 65. Medicare also provides coverage for all individuals with permanent kidney failure that requires treatment with dialysis or transplantation. It is the nation's largest health insurance program with coverage for nearly 40 million Americans. Medicare provides full benefits for most care.
Florida Kidcare
Florida Kidcare is designed to provide low-cost health insurance for Florida residents 18 and younger. Kidcare covers doctor visits, check-ups, hospitalization, surgeries, prescriptions, dental care, emergency care, mental health and vision care. To qualify for coverage, families must meet income requirements.
The cost of Kidcare coverage varies. Some families pay nothing, and others pay $20 per month for coverage. In 2009, the state began allowing families who do not meet qualifications for premium assistance to purchase Kidcare coverage at the full rate, which is often more than $100 per month.
Tags: Cover Florida, Florida residents, health care, health insurance, 2008 Florida
