Crist's office criticizes House insurance plan

The governor's office issued a harsh point-by-point critique Wednesday of Rep. Aaron Bean's proposal to expand health coverage to 3.8-million uninsured Floridians, as House resistance to Crist's plan emerges as a major problem for the governor's health agenda. The stepped-up criticism of the House by Crist's administration is a sharp departure in tone from a governor who likes a non-confrontational approach with lawmakers.

While the Senate is moving a bill that mirrors Crist's approach, the House plan is different, chiefly by the creation of a 15-member corporation to administer a program that relies on private insurers to sell new, low-cost policies at premiums starting at $150 a month. (The Crist plan would require oversight by existing agencies).

"The House 'Corporation' may lack expertise, and will include members that are likely to have significant conflicts of interest," said a five-page analysis prepared by the governor's office, adding: "The House plan raises significant consumer protections concerns" because it would allow unlicensed, out-of-state vendors to market insurance policies.

Crist's policy director, David Foy, who the governor describes as the Crist plan's author, was asked to describe his biggest concern with the House proposal. "I think lack of sunshine," Foy said. "I think it's unknown what these products and entities will look like."

Comments

[Debbie]

Lack of sunshine? Give me a freakin' break. I am continually amazed at the total ineptitude of the folks in Tallahassee. Lead by our delusional ever chipper freak of a governor. Government can't mandate and control everything.

OK...here's a more easy to understand answer...IT SUCKS! The House plan lacks vision, it lacks details...and most of all it will not deliver as promised. The Governor's proposal will be a model for the country. Bean needs to see the sunshine and embrace the Governor's plan...

Wait, the governor's office took a position on an issue? Did David get approval before sending this out? Doesn't he know that he is supposed to split any difference between the House and Senate position in order to be able to claim victory regardless of the outcome?

Bean is making lots of enemies...

Thanks for the comment, Carol, I mean, Debbie....

Stan Jordan in 2010!!

[The Truth Squad]

Stan in 2010 indeed. Mr. Bean, get ready for your vacation because you picked the wrong fight here. You really should have listened, Mr. Bean. Decisions have consequences. Maybe Rubio and Blue Cross will come to your rescue...NOT !