02/19/2008
CONTACT: Allen Douglas or Kristen Ploska, 850-681-0416
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The National Federation of Independent Business, Florida's leading small-business advocacy group, today heralds Gov. Charlie Crist's health care package. The package, announced today as part of the governor's top three legislative priorities, is good news for small business.
"Floridians need better health insurance and Florida's small businesses need help to be able to provide it. We thank Governor Crist making health care reform a priority this session," NFIB/Florida Executive Director Bill Herrle said. "Florida's small-business owners continue to struggle to access affordable health care. According to a recent NFIB/Florida survey, only 69 percent of respondents provided health care to their employees. Of those, 85 percent did not provide health care due to the cost. Premiums are increasing and options are decreasing -- Floridians need a better plan."
The governor's package details many initiatives that echo the health care priorities of the business community, including:
- the inclusion of all levels of benefits, such as preventative, primary and urgent care, with the allowance for negotiation with other carriers of supplemental coverage
- available to all Floridians 19-64 years of age
- consumer choice benefit plans at $150 or less per month and the ability for negotiation with private insurers for the development of these plans
- market-based initiatives and no individual or employer mandates
- renewal of Florida Health Flex plans and removal of income eligibility restrictions
"Help is needed to allow Florida's businesses to provide affordable health care and small business is grateful to Governor Crist for answering that call," Herrle said. "We hope to see the Legislature respond to this package expeditiously and look forward to working with both the Senate and the House as well as Governor Crist to achieve the highest level of health care for Floridians."
