H1N1 - Swine Flu Threatens Florida's 3.8 Million Uninsured

Florida health insurance company offers steps to help the uninsured

Clearwater, FL (PRWeb) May 19, 2009 - National press coverage has pushed H1N1 - Swine flu stories into the forefront of America's consciousness. Stories appeared on television news programs almost on an hourly basis with updates on the progress of the disease. Radio stations blasted a constant stream of stories and the Internet abounds with blogs, articles, and facts about the risks and dangers of a pandemic. Fortunately, this intense media coverage looks to have been premature. Nevertheless, the same media may have missed an opportunity to highlight the real dangers posed by the every day "garden-variety" flu that plagues us every year. This risk is heightened if you are one of the estimated 3.8 million Floridians who are without Florida Health Insurance coverage (http://www.peopleshealthinsurance.com/).

A flu pandemic is dangerous. They can kill tens of millions of people world-wide. The Spanish flu of 1918 was a virulent strain with a particularly devastating mortality rate. Additionally, the Asian flu of 1957 and the Hong Kong flu of 1968 left millions of people sick or dead. In comparison, the current H1N1 - Swine flu has sickened or killed a relatively small number of people. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the annual flu strain causes or contributes to an estimated 36,000 deaths each year.

Millions of uninsured Floridians are especially vulnerable to flu infections. According to the CDC, health insurance can contribute to the overall health and well-being of Americans. Conversely, doctor visits were lower for people with no health insurance coverage. In the event of a flu pandemic, or even the seasonal variety, early diagnosis and treatment is paramount in order to fight off the affects of the illness. Going without health insurance puts yourself and your family in unnecessary risk and is unwise.

Insurance specialist Holly Hail states, "Residents of Florida now have more tools to help them find affordable Florida Medical plans for their family or for themselves. Beginning this year, Cover Florida plans are available to those residents who may not qualify for a medically-underwritten full-benefit Florida Health Insurance policy." If you are currently uninsured, consider taking one or all of these four action steps:

Four Steps for Florida's Uninsured:

* Visit your regional office of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration to see if you qualify for Medicaid

* If you have small children, contact Florida Kid Care at (888)540-5437 for rules, costs, and benefits

* When cost is the deciding factor on coverage, first choose a health plan with a high deductible limit

* For those with chronic or other serious health conditions, pick one of the new Cover Florida policy options

As the struggle for workable Florida health insurance solutions continues, progress on national healthcare reform is unclear. President Barack Obama and members of the United States House and Senate are working to introduce new healthcare legislation this year. According to the President in a press conference held today, "We've got to get it done this year; we've got to get it done this year in the House and the Senate." Although the details of the Democratic plan are unknown, Mr. Obama restated three principles for the reforms. That is, it should bring down costs, allow people to choose their own doctor and health care plan, and give all Americans quality, affordable care.

While Washington works to fix a healthcare structure that many have criticized as broken, Florida residents should take advantage of the current system to protect their health and financial well being. Although far from perfect, a limited benefits health plan like Cover Florida or a medically underwritten high deductible health plan will provide reasonable protections in the event of an illness. Until the national debate is settled, the threat of disease, pandemics and even the seasonal flu are risks that should not be ignored.

About People's Health Insurance:

Peoples Health Insurance, LLC is an independent insurance agency offering free services to assist people in finding the most competitive insurance rates available in their area. They have developed relationships with many health insurance companies and have the latest knowledge of many different plans, ensuring that customers have not only the right plan, but the best value for their money. The founders of Peoples Health Insurance, LLC have a unique perspective, having previously owned and operated a large healthcare company.

Visit their website for more information on Florida health insurance plans (http://www.peopleshealthinsurance.com/).

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