2010 May 05

Recently, in Florida, Governor Charlie Crist has been put in a position to make his viewpoint clear on the topic of abortion.  As part of his health care reform in Florida, he must decide whether or not he should veto HA 1143, which allows the government to interfere with the woman’s personal life choices, such as abortion.  The legislation is written with many contradictions such as: the government opting out of the involvement in the decision of types of health care individuals choose, at the same time the government is told to push and enforce decisions that are between the woman and her doctor.  One of the most eyebrow raising changes in HA 1143 would be that women seeking abortions must first receive an ultra sound even if their doctor has explained it was not necessary.  Most women put through traumatizing instances such as rape, would have to hear the doctor explain the physical description of the child. If the patient does not wish to hear the doctor explain the ultra sound, the patient must fill out a consent form to waive the rights to view. So this health care reform in Florida in a nutshell; HA 1143 wants women to procure health insurance, which include costs such as an ultra sound, even if doctors explain one is not necessary. Why should individuals in Florida have to be forced to pay for health care coverage, when it’s not even a requirement? Hopefully Crist can make a good decision in Florida as far as his health care reform by vetoing HA 1143.

Since the health care bill has been passed, it’s seems as though this health care reform is not really a desired change to the American people.  In a recent phone survey done in Florida as well as the rest of the United States, it showed that in Florida, 62% of the people are in favor for repealing the health care bill, 33% oppose repealing it while 25% are strongly in opposition for repealing the health care bill. The numbers compared to the U.S are 53% in opposition of the health care and 38% in favor of the health care bill provided by Obama.  What can be the cause for Florida being the highest in opposition for Obama’s health care? A good part of this can be contributed to Florida’s strong republican stance and commitment to a very conservative way of living. The new bill would make everyone’s taxes increase on how much they are paying for their health insurance policies.  With Florida, as well as the rest of the U.S in an economic crunch, this increase in taxes would not make anyone happy.  Obama is thinking for the greater good of the people though.  By providing health care to those who do not have it, even though it comes with a price tag, is something we should all be allowed to have.  There should be no price tag on being able to preserve life and live.  Obama is providing those with pre-existing conditions such as Cancer and Diabetes, which had been rejected by health insurance policies prior are given a chance to keep themselves alive and not left to pay for something they have no control over.

In Florida, Gov. Crist is leaving it up to President Obama to decide how he wants to distribute insurance to those who cannot meet the requirement to get health insurance because of prior conditions such as cancer.  Crist commented in an interview on the financial funding of the health care reform in Florida by saying that he agrees with Obamas push for providing health care to all the Americans, but feels that Florida is not in the position to release new plans for Florida health care.  As far as how much Obama has decided to give to Florida for health insurance is about 350 million dollars out of the 5 billion he is divvying among the 50 states; this is based upon the population and actual need for health insurance in that specific state.  Crist is left with the decision in Florida to either say he will have a plan with the money that is given from Obama or not.  It is great that Obama is pushing to have health insurance provided for everyone in American, especially Florida, but why do other Americans have to pay a higher tax on it?  Will this 350 million dollars, what should he prioritize as most important for health care? Will he even use it properly? These might be some of the things Crist will have to think about when making his decision.  He has to think of the people in Florida, and what is right to do in order to provide health insurance in Florida for those who do not have it.

Florida health care is about to take a turn for the worse if the people decide to elect the former CEO of Columbia/HCA Healthcare, Rick Scott.  The statement that he is sticking by is one that would boost the job market in Florida by pushing the good ol’ entrepreneurial attitude in today’s job seekers.  People, who don’t know who Rick Scott, don’t know that this was the same philosophy which got Columbia/HCA in dark times about twenty years prior.  Florida already has a bad reputation in regards to Health care fraudulence, and by having Rick Scott as the governor would just add to Florida and their health care catastrophe.  Even though Scott has been building his image with his fight against the government rule over health care reform, how is he going to be able to enforce Obama’s health care reform in Florida with that kind of reputation and background?  Rick Scott owned several hospitals back in the day, then bought out HCA only having to resign from his position due to a government investigation which led to the charge that HCA had been falsifying their cost report along with other serious charges.  The company ended up settling by baying 1.7 billion dollars, while Scott got off with no charges and a severance package of 10 million dollars, and stock with the value of 300 million. Would you trust Rick Scott as governor of Florida’s and be able to tackle the health care issues, with a track record like that?

There are many insurance companies sprouting up in Florida due to the recent changes in health insurance reform. To be more specific, children’s health insurance in Florida is the focus here.  Based on the income of the family providing for their child, as well as age of the child, these insurance companies in Florida are able to determine which coverage suits your child.  The first age bracket includes insurance coverage for children in the one to four age groups, the second, covers ages five to eighteen, the third allows insurance to be provided in the eighteen in which have more complicating health requests. The final type of insurance Florida covers is child through ages eighteen, also know as Medicaid.  All of these Florida insurance coverage’s for children include regular doctor visits, specific shots and follow up visits, and hospital visits, surgery, all prescription medication and emergency cost, vision and hearing, along with forms of Dental health are provided.  The basic requirements for this insurance for children in Florida are: the child must be under the age of 19, completely uninsured, meet requirements for income status, be a U.S citizen, and not be affiliated with a public institution. As far as cost goes for this insurance in Florida, there is a general monthly payment in the ranges of 10-25 dollars a month, based on status and income status. As far as once the child begins receiving the insurance in Florida, the renewal process is very simple, only having to renew the insurance in Florida once a year either by paper or electronic submission.