Comprehensive Health Care for Residents: Provides eligibility of all state residents for Florida Health Plan; authorizes plan enrollees to choose health care providers; authorizes enrollees to see health care specialists without referral; prohibits cost-sharing requirements from being imposed on enrollees; requires board to secure repeals & waivers of certain provisions of federal law; provides that plan's responsibility for providing health care is secondary to existing Federal Government programs; requires plan to collect health care costs from collateral sources under certain circumstance; prohibits eligibility for health care benefits from being impaired by defaults, underpayments, & late payments; requires Secretary of Health Care Administration to designate health planning regions; provides applicability of Code of Ethics for Public Officers & Employees; creates Conflict-of-Interest Committee, Ombudsman Office for Patient Advocacy, & position of plan auditor; provides that plan policies & procedures are exempt from Administrative Procedure Act; provides timeline for operation of plan; prohibits certain health insurance policies & contracts from being sold in this state on & after specified date. 

Why I Filed This Bill (by Representative Joseph): The Healthy Florida Act establishes a comprehensive, statewide healthcare system guaranteeing coverage for ALL Floridians. With nearly 2.6 million uninsured residents, Florida has one of the highest uninsured rates in the country. This bill proposes bold steps toward comprehensive healthcare by: Establishing universal health coverage, including primary care, dental, vision, mental health, prescription drugs, reproductive care, and long-term services, while reducing costs through a streamlined system. Eliminating cost-sharing (i.e., co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs at the point of service). Increasing patient autonomy by allowing participants to choose providers freely and see specialists without referrals, streamlining access to care. Reducing bureaucratic delays and profit motives in private healthcare by creating a statewide system guaranteeing coverage for all residents, regardless of income or immigration status, and decoupling health coverage from employment. These measures make healthcare more affordable and accessible, ensuring Floridians get care when needed. Without neglecting equity or social determinants of health, this bill promotes financial stability for both our state and Florida families. This legislation affirms healthcare as a human right.