Miami-Dade Blue^SM is a unique pilot health care program, co-designed by BCBSF and Miami-Dade’s Office of Countywide Healthcare Planning (OCHP) under Commissioner Joe A. Martinez's leadership.  The health plan gives Miami-Dade residents and small business owners the opportunity to purchase health insurance with affordable monthly payments.  The product officially began coverage on July 1, 2009.  The locally-focused PPO plan offers insurance to individuals under the age of 65 and includes a broad provider network with a range of services: unlimited office-based services, prescriptions, inpatient and outpatient hospital-based services, disease management, and more.  The plan is also available to local small businesses of up to 50 employees.

Miami-Dade Blue^SM was created to address Miami-Dade’s large population of about 600,000 residents who struggle with the high costs of current insurance products, but do not qualify for public assistance programs.  Plan prices vary according to age and gender, from $70 to $300 per month. 

“”The fact that we have exceeded our six-month goal in about half the time goes to show the need in this community for access to health services,” said Commissioner Martinez.  “The enrollment figures come on the heels of U.S. Census data reporting Florida had the fourth highest rate of uninsured residents in the country last year, with Hialeah having the most uninsured residents in South Florida.  Miami-Dade Blue is not the perfect plan for everyone, but it’s certainly a viable option for individuals like these who want insurance, but cannot afford it.”

Both Miami-Dade County and BCBSF have initiated efforts to promote Miami-Dade Blue^SM.  Several commissioners, including Commissioner Martinez, Chairman Dennis Moss and Commissioner Dorrin D. Rolle, have held Miami-Dade Blue^SM events in their districts, with similar events planned for the future.  Commissioner Martinez presented the plan to Congressional members and members of the Obama Administration this past June in Washington, D.C.  With health care reform in the national spotlight, Miami-Dade BlueSM has been lauded for its innovative partnership and design on Capitol Hill.  BCBSF has launched its own advertising campaign, reaching the community via radio, print, and outdoor advertisements, as well as local events, to inform residents about health care that is within financial reach for many.

"We are tremendously proud of our partnership with Miami-Dade County and excited by the early success of Miami-Dade Blue," says Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Market President Penny Shaffer.  “Hundreds of thousands of our neighbors are living with no insurance and while there's a long way to go, we are clearly making a difference and moving in the right direction."

Additional information on Miami-Dade Blue^SM is available by phone at 1-800-950-8519 or online at www.bcbsfl.com.