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Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate Comments on Affordable Health Care Act

Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate Comments on Affordable Health Care Act

The Tampa Bay Times published an interview with Insurance Consumer Advocate Robin Westcott today covering a range of topics.  Among the topics discussed, the Tampa Bay Times asked whether she sees the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Affordable Health Care Act is a positive or negative for consumers.  Ms. Westcott commented, “I’m concerned about the application of the Health Care Act from the perspective of what it’s going to cost. Ultimately, someone has to pay for it … and that may be a shocking number.

I thought Justice (John) Roberts’ opinion was absolutely brilliant. I thought it was so well thought-out and so well-reasoned. I was so blown away by that.”

Ms. Westcott further said, “The biggest thing that concerns me is Florida’s response. I’ve seen things from the governor’s office about not following through with the mandate, and I’m a bit concerned. If we can control our own destiny with setting up the (health care) exchange and things that are mandated under the law, we should probably do so. Controlling our own destiny is probably a better idea than letting the (federal) government control it. If we move into January of next year and we haven’t either overturned this law or set up the infrastructure to address it, I think Floridians lose.”

The Supreme Court’s ruling continues to stir significant discussion in Florida.  This fall’s election cycle, at both the national and state levels, will go a long way to determining the future of this issue in Florida.