As the health insurance and health care debate rolls on in Washington, a new health plan launched today in Miami, Florida, reported the Miami Herald.
But this new Florida health insurance plan is special for one big reason: it’s a public-private health plan.
Yes, one of the biggest sticking points for lawmakers, lobbyists, and health industry executives on Capitol Hill has just went through in Florida.
It did, though, take the county five years to finalize.
Still a public-private health insurance plan in action is sure to pique interests. And if successful, this plan could be used as a national model.
The new health plan is adminstered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and offers a $250 deductible, $10 copayment for generic prescription drugs, and has premiums of around $110.
Individuals up to age 65 years of age have access to the plan, along with employees in small businesses with up to 50 workers.
According to the Herald article, the main factor that made the plan possible was convincing health care providers to accept lower payments for care. In total, the plan’s network includes 1,500 doctors and seven major hosptials in the Miami-Dade area.
While officials expect the plan to help the some 600,000 uninsured residents in the area, they point out BCBS of Florida may deny coverage for those with pre-exisiting health conditions.