Time to apply for guaranteed group health insurance

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Aug. 1, 2006 -- It's once again August, the one month out of the year when you can apply for guaranteed group health insurance in Florida even if your business has only one paid employee. During the entire month, participating health insurers offering group coverage must accept new applicants.

While the program does not generally provide any savings on health care options, it can help self-employed people who have been turned down elsewhere because they have pre-existing conditions. In addition, self-employed Floridians already covered under a group insurance plan can switch to a different carrier during August.

Companies that write coverage for individuals year-round must offer only “basic” or “standard” plans, and could deny coverage based on a pre-existing or chronic health problem. Guaranteed-issue during August means insurers and HMOs must offer coverage without regard to health status. New policies accepted in August become effective Oct. 1, 2006.

If you want group health insurance coverage, be prepared to provide documentation verifying that you're self-employed or a sole proprietor, including tax forms, license information and business receipts.

More information:
• A list of insurance companies offering small group health coverage, along with contact phone numbers, is posted on the Florida Department of Financial Services' (FDFS) Web site at http://www.fldfs.com/Consumers/small_group_market_carriers.htm.
• For an overview of small group health insurance regulations in Florida, visit the FDFS site at: http://www.fldfs.com/companies/lh_fr/is_LHFR_Small_Emp_Benefit_Plan.htm.
• For questions about health insurance in Florida, call the toll-free FDFS consumer helpline at 800-342-2762.
• Georgetown University offers a consumer guide on group health insurance in Florida at: http://www.healthinsuranceinfo.net/fl02.html

© 2006 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®