Governor Charlie Crist Announces Over 46,000 People Now Using Florida Discount Drug Card

ORLANDO – In an afternoon speech today at the Florida Medical Association Annual Conference, Governor Charlie Crist announced that nearly one million dollars have been saved by Floridians participating for the Florida Discount Drug Card.

“Families and seniors without prescription drug coverage are finding real relief for out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses,” said Governor Crist. “I am confident that Floridians in search of assistance with critical health care costs will continue to sign up for the Florida Discount Drug Card.”

Since the Florida Discount Drug Card program began last December, 46,823 Floridians have signed up to receive discounts on their prescriptions. Over 8,976 prescriptions have saved Floridians more than $910,547 through 4,159 participating pharmacies. Applications and enrollment information is available at www.FloridaDiscountDrugCard.com.

In addition to encouraging participation in the Florida Discount Drug Card, Governor Crist also ceremonially signed Senate Bill 1012 sponsored by Senator Don Gaetz. The Health Insurance Claims Payment bill makes a number of changes to current law regarding assignment of health insurance policy benefits by policyholders or subscribers, third party access to provider networks, and recouping of certain overpayments to providers.

Cover Florida – Health Insurance for the Uninsured

Governor Crist also highlighted how the Florida Discount Drug Card program was developed at a low cost to taxpayers, similar to how the Cover Florida program was developed. Cover Florida allows private insurance companies to create innovative health insurance products and then compete for the opportunity to offer plans to Floridians for the anticipated cost of $150 per month or less. The program is expected to begin enrolling Floridians as early as January 2009.

Approved insurance carriers must offer consumers at least two benefit options, one with catastrophic and hospital coverage and one without. In addition, all approved Cover Florida plans must include, at the very least, coverage for preventive services, screenings, office visits, outpatient and inpatient surgery, urgent care, prescription drugs, durable medical equipment and diabetic supplies.