Volume 2 Number 30 July 25, 2005

TEXT VERSION

Once a year the window of opportunity opens for self-employed individuals in Florida to apply for guaranteed-issue health coverage.  This enrollment period comes only once a year, so the month of August is the time to purchase health insurance or review a current health insurance policy. Basic and standard policies are offered by insurers without regard to health status, and health maintenance organizations offer guaranteed-issue plans, too. Health savings accounts and health reimbursement arrangements are available to help Floridians pay for out-of-pocket health costs with pre-tax dollars and empower consumers with the ability to make wise financial decisions about medical care. These accounts will help lower overall costs in the market and provide self-employed Floridians seeking health care coverage another option.  Small businesses are the backbone of this state's economy, and that's why I want them to have every opportunity to access health coverage.  For more information read the article below on this issue. Walton County was created in 1824, shortly after Florida became a territory of the United States. The courthouse is in the county seat of DeFuniak Springs.

Small Group Market Carriers Florida Small Employer Benefit Plan

SELF-EMPLOYED FLORIDIANS QUALIFY FOR GUARANTEED-ISSUE HEALTH COVERAGE DURING AUGUST Self-employed Floridians in need of health insurance can obtain it through an open enrollment period during the month of August, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher said. The open enrollment period requires insurance companies and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) to offer applications for coverage to the self-employed on a guaranteed-issue basis from August 1 to August 31 each year, with a plan start date of October 1.  The open enrollment period enables individuals without health coverage to obtain insurance.  Additionally, it provides self-employed Floridians that currently have health coverage the opportunity to switch to another insurance plan.  “We need to get the word out that the window of opportunity only comes once a year for the self-employed seeking guaranteed-issue health coverage,” Gallagher said.  “We want to help ensure that Floridians gain access to health care coverage.  This enrollment period comes only once a year for the self-employed seeking guaranteed-issue health coverage, so now is the time to get insurance or review your current policy.” CONTINUED

22 CHARGED WITH HEALTH CARE FRAUD INVOLVING OVER $8 MILLION IN FALSE CLAIMS 22 individuals and entities, including chiropractors, massage therapists, and four medical clinics, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in a multi-million dollar health care fraud scheme, based on an investigation by the Department of Financial Services and several other agencies. The indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, false statements relating to health care matters, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Florida CFO Tom Gallagher stated, "We are all victims of those who commit fraud. As consumers we pay for it every time we pay our insurance premiums. We will continue to fight insurance fraud to protect Floridians." Other agencies involved were the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), and the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department.  Insurance companies involved in this investigation included Gainsco Company, Ocean Harbor Insurance, GEICO, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, MetLife, Direct, United Auto Insurance, and Federated Insurance.  CONTINUED

THE STATE UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AUCTION IN FORT LAUDERDALE IS SATURDAY, JULY 30 Jewelry, coins, antiques and collectibles will be among approximately 40,000 items to be auctioned by the state to benefit Florida’s public schools.  Among the items are a 14-karat gold purse, a 5-carat sapphire ring, and an 1889 CC Morgan silver dollar. The net proceeds of the auction will be deposited directly into the Principal State School Trust Fund for the benefit of Florida’s public schools. Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher is inviting interested Floridians to participate. The auction will be held at the Wyndham Hotel, 1870 Griffin Road, near the airport in Ft. Lauderdale.  The preview will be held Friday, July 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the auction will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 30.  "Please visit the unclaimed property website and you'll be surprised at the great selection of items you can bid on. There are many rare and collectible pieces." Gallagher said. There will be an online simulcast of the auction to enable citizens who cannot attend the live auction to participate in the bidding process. If you would like more information, or to register for online bidding, please visit www.fisherauction.com.  Bidders may place an absentee bid by contacting Fisher Auction Co. at info@fisherauction.com.         CONTINUED

GALLAGHER ANNOUNCES CLAIM FRAUD ARRESTS Suspects accused of filing fraudulent hurricane claims Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher announced today that detectives with the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) have arrested four individuals accused of filing fraudulent claims in the aftermath of the 2004 hurricane season.  The investigation has uncovered more than $170,000 in fraudulent claim filings, and further arrests are anticipated.  “With thousands of Floridians still working to recover from four storms, it is inconceivable that individuals would seek to illegally profit from the 2004 hurricane season,” said Gallagher, who oversees the department.  “Those who choose to commit fraud and drive up premiums will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Investigators found that Julio Iriarte, a licensed public adjuster in Miami, submitted falsified contractor agreements that caused overpayment of claims by more than 20 percent.  CONTINUED