Florida Health Insurance Advisory Board: July 19 Meeting Report

On Thursday, July 19, 2007, this office attended the Florida Health Insurance Advisory Board (“Board”) Meeting in Tallahassee, Florida. 

The Board was created by the Florida Legislature to advise the Governor, Legislature, Office of Insurance Regulation (“OIR”), Agency for Health Care Administration (“AHCA”), and other state agencies on the issues impacting the health care insurance industry in Florida.  Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty is the Board Chairman.  Other members include representatives from the private health insurance industry as well as representatives from state agencies such OIR and AHCA.

At Thursday’s meeting, the Board took public testimony and discussed several issues including Florida’s uninsured population, state health care reform activities and federal health care reform activities. 

Commissioner McCarty opened the meeting and noted that making health insurance available and affordable is of paramount importance in Florida.  After his comments, the Board heard from various presenters and engaged in open dialogue with them. 

Dr. Paul Duncan reviewed Florida’s uninsured demographics in detail, noting that Florida is the sixth worst state in the nation regarding the percentage of uninsured citizens. 

The Board also heard from an OIR representative on current laws and proposed legislation from other states in regards to improving the uninsured market.  The states discussed were Massachusetts, California, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Wisconsin, Iowa, Hawaii and Texas.  In different ways, many of these states are moving towards universal health care for their residents.

Other presenters reviewed options to increase access to affordable coverage in Florida and potential requirements for mandatory minimum coverage.  Commissioner McCarty noted that he would like to hear from other affected groups such as hospitals, providers and the business community in future meetings.

The Board also discussed and reviewed certain financial matters such as the budget, financial statements, accounting/purchasing procedures, the 2006 Audit Report and authorized check signers.

The next scheduled Florida Health Insurance Advisory Board meeting is scheduled to be held in South Florida during the later part of August.  The exact location and time are to be determined.  A meeting is also planned for September in Tallahassee, Florida.

We will provide further information as it becomes available. 

A copy of the July 19 agenda is attached for your review. 

Please feel free to contact this office should you require additional information regarding this matter.