The health of Miami-Dade County citizens is of the utmost importance to me.  My goal has been to develop an action plan to address the ever-increasing need for countywide healthcare services for the uninsured by expanding the County's healthcare delivery system.

On September 17, 2008 in a unanimous decision by the Board of County Commissioners the contract for MIAMI-DADE BLUE health plan was finalized and approved.  The resolution was spearheaded by me to provide a low-cost comprehensive healthcare plan to Miami-Dade's 600,000 uninsured residents passed on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.  The unique pilot program, co-designed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (BCBSF) and the Office of Countywide Healthcare Planning (OCHP) under my leadership, will offer residents the opportunity to purchase health insurance for themselves and their families with affordable monthly payments.  Additionally, small businesses can offer health insurance to their employees at a reasonable rate under the new plan.  This healthcare program is the first of its kind in the country, potentially becoming a viable model for other communities and agencies to adopt. 

The plan targets the 600,000 residents countywide under the age of 65 who are unable to afford private health insurance and do not qualify for public programs, such as Medicaid and KidCare.  The program includes primary and specialty care, inpatient services, diagnostic services, and pharmacy benefits.  It incorporates chronic disease management and emergency room alternatives to increase healthcare efficiencies, lower the cost of charity care, and ultimately improve health outcomes.  The proposed monthly premiums are as low as $69 for a 19-year-old male; the approximate median age of uninsured residents, age 35, can receive coverage for $110 (males) and $122 (females) monthly.  Furthermore, small businesses of less than fifty employees which have been unable to provide cost-effective health insurance will be targeted for group coverage.

New technologies will also be implemented with the new health plan.  Issued swipe cards will be used to determine eligibility, benefits, and payments to lower administrative costs.  A broad provider network will be available due to a combination of BCBSF's commercial network and local safety-net providers.

The no-cost contract with BCBSF for a three-year pilot program will begin enrollment July 1, 2009, with an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 residents enrolled within the first 12 months. 

For more information, pleases call BCBSF at 1-800-950-8519.