Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the Florida Health Insurance Affordability Exchange Program.

Highlights:

• Establishes the Florida Health Insurance Affordability Exchange Program (FHIX) to assist an individual in purchasing health benefits coverage and gaining access to health services (Sec. 3).

• Requires an individual to submit proof of participation in “activities” at the following levels for eligibility in FHIX (Sec. 5):

• For enrollees that are guardians of children under 18, a minimum of 20 hours;

• For enrollees that are not guardians, a minimum of 30 hours; and

• For enrollees that are guardians of disabled persons, an exemption may be requested.

• Specifies the following are approved “activities” for eligibility (Sec. 5):

• Paid employment;

• On-the-job training;

• On the job placement activities; or

• Educational pursuits.

• Requires an enrollee’s maximum premium to be assessed monthly and set according to the following income levels (Sec. 5):

• $3 for incomes at or below 22 percent of the federal poverty level;

• $8 for incomes between 23 and 50 percent of the federal poverty level;

• $15 for incomes between 51 and 75 percent of the federal poverty level;

• $20 for incomes between 76 and 100 percent of the poverty level; and

• $25 for incomes greater than 100 percent of the poverty level.

• Establishes a choice counseling program to ensure enrollees have information about the FHIX marketplace program and the federal exchange products and services (Sec. 6).

• Requires the Agency for Healthcare Administration and Florida Health Choices, Inc. to prepare an annual report to be presented to the state’s legislature and Governor that includes the following information (Sec. 8):

• Enrollment and application trends;

• Utilization and cost data;

• Types of products and plans purchased;

• Recommendations for improvement.

Full Bill Text