Welcome to

The Governor’s plan to provide low-cost health coverage to the state’s 3.8 million uninsured is catching some heat. As Whitney Ray tells us, a research group says the proposed premium is too high and the plan doesn’t cover important medical services.

Hear it Here: Low Cost Health Insurance Plan Under Fire

Researchers and some Floridians say a plan to offer low cost health insurance is too expensive.

“A lot of us have other expenses besides just medical problems,” said FSU student Blaine Hartman.

The bare bones plan will cost about 150 dollars a month. Some mandated coverage like prenatal care and some physical therapy won’t be covered to lower cost. State agencies have been working with insurance companies to hash out the plan.

Insurers have until the middle of August to submit a coverage plan. So far no plans have been turned in. A Washington research group claims the premium is too expensive and not many people will sign on. Governor Charlie Crist disagrees.

“Groups and people can have their opinion on it, that’s fine, I respect that, but common sense tells me if its 150 dollars a month instead of 700 dollars a month a lot more of our fellow Floridians can afford it and that’s a good thing,” said Crist.

The bare bones policy would offer preventative coverage, but little to no help with emergency room visits and hospital stays.

“It sounds like its just a little band-aid on a big problem. Something needs to be done about the health care issue, but I’m not sure that’s exactly what we need,” said Andra Hurst, a Tallahassee grandmother.

Whether or not the plan is a success will be left up to the state’s 3.8 million uninsured who will either buy the coverage or go without. The earliest the plan will be available is January of next year.