Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) has launched its low-cost insurance plans, available to uninsured Floridians as part of Gov. Charles Crist's chosen healthcare insurers selected to participate in the Cover Florida plan.
"The need for affordable health coverage in our state is critical, and we appreciate the opportunity to offer the uninsured a real solution," said John Kaegi, group vice president of marketing. "Our company's mission is to help meet the healthcare needs of all Floridians, and the Cover Florida plans complement our existing suite of low-cost products, including the recently launched GoBlue and FamilyBlue options."
BCBSF is offering two Cover Florida products to adults between the ages of 19 and 64 who have been without coverage for at least six months. The non-catastrophic plan provides coverage for basic and preventive care, including physician office visits, dental care, pharmacy and lab work. The catastrophic plan offers the same services with the addition of hospital coverage. Average costs for the plans are approximately $50 and $150 per month, respectively, and vary by region.
To cover the 3.8 million uninsured Floridians, BCBSF and United Healthcare were selected to provide statewide options, and four South Florida-based insurance companies were selected to offer additional regional coverage. Florida Health Care Plans, a subsidiary of BCBSF, will be available in Flagler and Volusia counties, Medical Health Plan of Florida and Total Health Choice will be available in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, and the JMH Health Plan will also serve Miami-Dade County.