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Florida Chamber Stands with Governor Bush
to Announce Statewide Health Care Tour |
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"You've been valuable partners in our efforts
to define problems and identify solutions."
Governor Jeb Bush, addressing the Florida Chamber, Florida Retail Federation and National
Federation of Independent Business during yesterday's press conference at the Capitol. |
The Florida Chamber stood with Governor Bush yesterday as he announced a summer statewide tour of town hall meetings to explain new health care options available to Floridians - health savings accounts (HSAs) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). These new product offerings were made possible by the recent passage of HB 1629 by Rep. Frank Farkas (R-St. Petersburg) and Sen. Durell Peaden (R-Crestview).
"Florida's employers have consistently ranked the cost and availability of health insurance as one of their top concerns in running their business. HSAs and HRAs are important tools in the hands of Florida employers, and we are eager to help spread the word about the many benefits they offer to Florida employers and consumers," Fred Leonhardt, Florida Chamber Chair said during yesterday's press conference.
Over the last four years, the Florida Chamber Federation has conducted a Health Insurance Survey to gauge the experiences Florida employers have had with their health insurance coverage. The number of employers able to provide health insurance coverage to their employees has steadily decreased as costs have increased. In 1999, 91% of employers offered coverage to their employees while only 75% were able to do so in 2003.
"Coalition of the Committed" Brings HSAs to Florida
Governor Bush thanks Sen. Peaden
for sponsoring legislation to make offering HSAs and HRAs possible.
Humana demonstrates the simplicity
managing HSAs – consumers can use
ATM-type cards to manage their
health savings accounts.
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HSAs provide new opportunities for Floridians to more closely manage their health care costs. They consist of a high deductible health plan and a tax-free savings account. "HSAs will be a critical component in a consumer-driven health care market, creating competition, lowering prices and increasing access," said Governor Bush. "Floridians for Health Care Choices will help educate employers and employees about this important option and help our state lead the way in health care reform."
During the statewide tour of town hall meetings, Governor Bush and Lt. Governor Jennings will be joined by state and federal health care experts and insurers in the following counties, tentatively:
| Pinellas & Orange: June 14 |
Broward: July 14 |
| Duval: June 21 |
Escambia: July 15 |
| Miami-Dade: June 25 |
Alachua: July 27 |
| Palm Beach: June 30 |
Sarasota: July 28 |
Health insurance is a FLORIDA BUSINESS AGENDA priority issue, the Chamber will continue to keep you informed. Also, feel free to visit the coalition's website at www.saveyourhealth.com.
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Floridians for Health Care Choices is comprised of employers, insurers and agents, including Aetna, Assurant, Avmed Health Plans, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Lumenos, State Farm and United Healthcare as well as the Florida Association of Health Plans, the Florida Association of Health Underwriters, the Florida Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.
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