Florida Health Insurance

Finding health insurance in the State of Florida is difficult for the person who does not have employer sponsored group care. Premiums cost more and deductibles are higher than some other states. While anyone can apply for health insurance, applications from those with chronic illnesses like diabetes are often declined. Relatively healthy applicants will gain approval.

Florida Health Insurance: Finding an Agent

There are many licensed insurance agents in the State of Florida. “Captive" agents represent only one company, while independent agents represent several different companies. When meeting with an agent, the consumer needs to ask a lot of questions about policy limits, provider options, limitations and exclusions of coverage. A good agent will not be reluctant to discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of the policy in question.

Florida Health Insurance: Finding the Right Plan

As with other states, Florida health insurance coverage options are broad. Low deductible plans with small co-payments for doctors and pharmacies exist but are among the most expensive. High deductible preferred provider plans with no provision for pharmacy and doctor visits are more affordable.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) plans are much more restrictive than other plans due to their requirement of having a primary care physician thereby limiting accessibility to specialized care. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans offer the flexibility of choosing from a list of plan providers with the benefit of lower premiums. Indemnity plans have complete flexibility in the choice of providers, but they are also the most expensive plans available.

Before choosing a plan, the consumer needs to review the policy provisions carefully. It may take some time to complete this task. Policy jargon can be intimidating to the average person; therefore, it is very important that all of the consumer’s questions and concerns are properly addressed by the agent.