Jennifer Dodge REMAX Southern Realty

May 21, 2008

Dear Friends,

This week I have signed several important pieces of health care legislation. Today, I signed Senate Bill 2534 that will provide affordable health insurance options to Florida’s 3.8 million uninsured individuals. Currently, one in five Floridians goes to bed at night worried about how to pay for medical care. Now, because of the great work of the Florida Legislature this year, Floridians will have options that will go a long way toward freeing them from worry about health care.

Based on the bill I signed today, Floridians ages 19 to 64 who have not had coverage for at least six months will qualify for the Cover Florida plan. Coverage will cost about $150 per month, and benefits will include regular medical check ups. The plan is designed to focus on primary and preventive care to discourage unnecessary and costly visits to the emergency room.

Available as early as January 2009, benefit plans will include coverage for preventive services, screenings, office visits, outpatient and inpatient surgery, urgent care, prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, and diabetic supplies.

Additionally, the legislation provides opportunity for insurers, doctors and other medical providers to offer medical care through an open, transparent “marketplace.” The marketplace will provide Floridians other options to meet their medical needs.

By negotiating with health insurers – and allowing them to compete for our business – the people of Florida will be the winners. Families and individuals who have sacrificed health insurance in exchange for college tuition or buying a home will now have hope. The time has come to do what is right. We live in the most prosperous nation, but to think that nearly four million Floridians go to sleep without health coverage is unconscionable.

Thanks again to our great Legislature; we will negotiate with insurance companies to provide access to health care. This simple approach will provide coverage, but more importantly it will provide peace of mind.

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