Affordable health insurance in Florida could help 1 in 5 residents

Affordable health insurance in Florida could improve access to medical services for the 3.75 million Floridians who are currently without coverage, the third worst rate in the nation, according to a Sun-Sentinel editorial.

Although another 3 million rely on government options for insurance like Medicare, noted the newspaper, one report shows that more residents of Florida and other states are making the choice to research their options.

comScore, an online marketing firm, recently released data showing that while Americans have been less likely to visit insurer websites, they have been looking for affordable health insurance in Florida, in fact nationwide.

Insurers like Cigna and Aetna have had 10 percent less traffic, but online clearinghouses that help consumers compare different rates and plan options have seen more than 100 percent increases in visitors in some cases. In the month of June, searches for affordable health insurance were up more than 40 percent over the same period in 2008 and people seeking health insurance quotes saw similar gains, according to the report.

"With U.S. unemployment approaching 10 percent according to the most recent Department of Labor data, the millions of Americans without health care coverage or with inadequate coverage are looking online for information and assistance," said Kevin Levitt, comScore vice president. "Many Americans have an urgent need for health coverage right now, and it's important for providers to be in front of consumers online where they are seeking out that information."

As opposition to a Democrat health care reform package mounts in town halls, where shouting down speakers on both sides and heated exchanges have become the norm, some lawmakers in Florida have expressed concerns about the effect of the plan on the nation's economic health.

"The problem we are facing is the plan before us is going to skyrocket the already ballooning deficit," Miami Republican congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen told CBS 4 News in Miami.

One local resident, James Gallagher, agreed with Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, telling the station, "I prefer to pay for my own [care.]" Those who do their own research may be able to gain coverage like Gallagher when they search Florida health insurance.

Affordable Health Insurance in Florida news provided by healthcare.com