Currently, Florida has the 4th highest uninsured rate in the nation. The new law will allow the state to negotiate with insurance companies to lower premiums. The idea is to get rates down to about a hundred and 50 bucks. The lower cost would buy Floridians preventative coverage and trips to the hospital, but extended hospital stays and serious illnesses wouldn’t be covered. Crist says his plan is a step down the right path.

“It’s a terrible thing for families and small business owners and individuals in Florida to have to worry about whether or not they might befall some sort of catastrophic event or suffer some injury that could potentially bankrupt them or their family or small business," said Crist. "It’s something people should never have to face.”

Governor Crist is currently working with eight insurance companies to hammer out the details. The earliest the plan would be available is January 2009.

Capital Correspondent, Whitney Ray, tells us why many people living without insurance have mixed feelings about the plan.