Back in 2008, Governor Charlie Crist signed a bill which enacted the program Florida Health Choices. This bill was drafted to help Florida small businesses find affordable health insurance a statewide health insurance exchange. But after two years, nothing has been activated.
In fact, state officials say the exchange may not be up until at least October of this year. In the meantime, many small business owners have had to cut benefits and employees because of the poor economy and rising health care costs.
The way the exchange would work is that all small employers and employees become one large group, allowing for greater risk distribution and lower health insurance rates, explained The Palm Beach Post.
Companies with 1 to 50 employees and certain municipalities, counties and school districts will have access to the Florida Health Choices’ insurance exchange.
Some lawmakers are blaming the federal government for the two year delay because of the pending health reform bill in Washington D.C. But many residents think the Florida government has been dragging their feet.
In any case, small businesses need all the help they can get and hopefully this insurance exchange will benefit them when it becomes active.