The bill amends the Florida Health Choices Program, renaming it the "Florida Employee Health Choices Program" and revising its legislative intent and definitions to improve access to affordable health insurance for employers and employees. It facilitates the sale and purchase of individual health insurance plans through individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements while removing various provisions related to health care service providers and vendor procedures. The Department of Management Services is tasked with supporting the formation of Florida Employee Health Choices, Inc., which will establish a competitive marketplace for health insurance. The bill also introduces a surcharge pricing mechanism, allowing the corporation to assess an annual surcharge of up to 2.5% on premiums to fund administrative services.

Additionally, the bill establishes Florida Employee Health Choices, Inc., governed by an eight-member board appointed by state leaders, and outlines the corporation's powers, including accepting grants and contributions. It removes previous enrollment period requirements and restrictions on changes to selected products, enhancing flexibility for participants. New provisions include the creation of a secure website for product purchases and a toll-free hotline for assistance. The bill updates reporting requirements and introduces public record exemptions for personal identifying information and proprietary business information. It also allows Medicaid recipients with employer-sponsored coverage to opt out of managed care plans, utilizing Medicaid financial assistance for their costs. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 905 Filed: 408.910, 409.821, 409.9122, 409.977
H 905 c1: 408.910, 409.821, 409.9122, 409.977