State Workers May Keep Low Insurance Premiums
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) - While the Florida Legislature won't let thousands of poor Floridians get access to expanded Medicaid, many of the state's top workers like Governor Rick Scott may continue to pay low health insurance premiums this year.
The House and Senate have released initial versions of the new state budget. These spending plans would keep premiums the same for state workers.
Scott has proposed for four straight years raising the health insurance premiums paid by himself and thousands of other top employees such as elected officials like Attorney General Pam Bondi.
These employees pay only $8.34 a month in premiums for individual coverage and $30 for family coverage. Scott wanted to raise that $50 a month for individuals and $180 a month for family coverage.
State legislators themselves have started paying the higher rate, but that doesn't apply to staff members.
Florida's legislature has repeatedly turned down access to more than $50 billion in federal money to provide expanded Medicaid to thousands of poor Floridians trying to get health care.
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