The state Senate passed measures Thursday that would allow the Florida Farms Department to provide largely unregulated health insurance to member farmers and ranchers.
The 32-4 vote advancement proposal (SB 480) will clear the path of a “health benefits system” that is not subject to the same state and federal regulations as health insurance.
The House version (HB 497) was advanced by the Commerce Committee on Wednesday and sent to the All College of Commerce for votes.
Senator R-Indian Rocks Beach, who sponsored the bill, said it would be useful for farmers and ranchers facing the challenges of ensuring affordable healthcare.
Some criticisms allow health plans where proposals do not cover existing conditions.
However, the bill requires a disclaimer that health plans are not insurance contracts or health maintenance contracts and are not subject to regulatory requirements under Florida Insurance Act.
This report used information from Florida news services.
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