Putting you and your doctor back in charge - not the insurance companies - to guarantee lower costs and more choice

FLORIDA FAMILIES AND SENIORS URGENTLY NEED REFORM

«     Health care costs are consuming too much of families’ budgets. Florida’s families have seen their health insurance costs increase by 72 percent, while paychecks are up only 20 percent.

«     Today, health care spending on behalf of the average family of four is more than $15,000. If we do nothing, average health care spending will increase to $36,000 in 10 years.

«     Without reform, costs for the average family will increase $1,800 per year.

«     Florida has the nation’s third-highest rate of uninsured - two of every five Floridians.  Florida families with insurance are forced to pick up the cost of the uninsured.  That's expensive.

«     Last year, more than half of Americans postponed medical care or skipped prescriptions because they couldn't afford them.      

«     Health insurance companies bank exorbitant profits, and insurance company CEO salaries are out of control. 

FAMILIES WITH HEALTH COVERAGE WIN: NEW RIGHTS WHEN DEALING WITH INSURANCE COMPANIES

«     No dropping your coverage because you get sick.

«     No more insurance company cherry picking. Insurance companies cannot charge families higher premiums due to medical history or current illness.

«     Choice, accessibility and affordability improve.

«     Individuals can switch jobs without losing health coverage.

«     Lower costs - you won’t have to pay co-pays or deductibles for preventative care.

«     If you like your health insurance, you can keep it. Keep your current doctor as you see fit.

«     Relief for families with huge out-of-pocket health costs – insurance companies barred from capping your medical care.

«     If you want to consider other options, a new health insurance exchange will provide choices. The exchange will create competition for the powerful insurance companies, and lower costs.

«     In addition to continuing existing private and public plans (such as Medicare, VA, Tricare and Medicaid), a new, nonprofit Medicare-like public plan option will further foster competition and keep insurance companies honest.

«     Extended coverage for young adults.

FAMILIES WITH NO HEALTH COVERAGE: CREATING A LIFELINE TO WORKING FAMILIES, COST RELIEF FOR OUR COMMUNITY

«     Affordable insurance available for families with no health insurance, including those with chronic illness.

«     Today, insurance companies can discriminate against you and your family based on pre-existing conditions. Under this bill, that will change. Insurance companies won’t be allowed to turn you away – even if you have a serious health problem such as diabetes, a heart condition or cancer.

«     Families of four earning $26,000 or less covered through Florida Medicaid.

«     Creates a new health insurance exchange – real choices – where people can shop for insurance and compare policies.

«     Large employers MUST provide coverage or pay a fee.

«     Affordability credits are provided on a sliding scale for working- and middle-class families earning between $18,000 and $88,000.

SENIORS ON MEDICARE PUT CASH BACK IN THEIR POCKET

«     Close gap in Medicare Part D known as the “doughnut hole.”

«     Eliminate copayments and deductibles for most checkups and preventative care.

«     Make it easier for low-income seniors to get help with the cost of Medicare

TAMPA BAY AREA FAMILIES AND SENIORS – A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY, ECONOMY AND NEW JOBS

«     In the Tampa Bay area, 561,000 uninsured individuals will gain access to health insurance if we pass a health insurance reform bill this year.

«     Roughly 92,100 Tampa Bay seniors will avoid the Medicare “doughnut hole.”

«     As many as 106,400 Tampa Bay area small businesses could receive tax credits to provide health insurance to their employees.

«     Hospitals and medical professionals would recover up to $445 million that is provided to the uninsured through charity care today.

«     Approximately 8,620 families could escape bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs.

«     University of South Florida, Hillsborough Community College, St. Petersburg College and Manatee Community College will train the modern health care workforce. The Tampa Bay area is one of the premiere health care education centers in America. We will create jobs in the health care sector.