Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink today urged Florida's self-employed individuals to take advantage of the August open enrollment period that allows single-group employers, sole proprietors,
independent contractors and others to obtain health insurance or switch plans on a guaranteed-issue basis.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tara Klimek or Jerri Franz
August 1, 2008
(850) 413-2842
"This is a once-a-year opportunity for self-employed individuals to make
sure they have the coverage they need to protect themselves and their
families," said CFO Sink.
August 1 through August 31, 2008, insurers and Health Maintenance
Organizations (HMOs) that write small-group policies must offer basic
and standard coverage to the self-employed without regard to health
status. Policies written or renewed in August have a plan start date of
October 1, 2008.
Applicants must meet all of the conditions and criteria established by
law, and provide documentation verifying the operation of an active
business, including tax forms, license information and business
receipts, per Florida Statute 627.6699(3)(u).
A list of insurance companies offering coverage is posted on the
Department of Financial Services' website at
http://myfloridacfo.com/Consumers/small_group_market_carriers.htm
In addition to basic and standard policies, coverage options for
employers include health savings accounts (HSAs) or health reimbursement
arrangements (HRAs). HSAs, which operate like Individual Retirement
Accounts (IRAs), allow people to save their own money in a tax-free
account for use on health-related expenses. If the money is not spent,
it rolls over annually and accumulates until the policyholder reaches
age 65, at which time the money can be used for any purpose.
For information on sample rates for small-group policies, visit the Office of Insurance Regulation's website at
www.floir.com
click on the Consumers" tab at the top, then scroll down to "Compare Small Group
Medical Rates." Be sure to click "One Life Factor" to view appropriate
sample rates for single-group employers.
A Health Insurance guide and Small Business Owners' Insurance guide are
available at www.MyFloridaCFO.com. For further assistance, call the
Department of Financial Services' toll-free consumer helpline at
1-800-MyFLCFO (1-877-693-5236).
# # #
|
