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SB 348

Hancock County; Board of County Commissioners; description of the commissioner districts; change

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Lucas

SB 348 establishes a task force to create a universal health care system in Florida, ensuring equitable, affordable access for all residents, especially the uninsured.

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Bill Summary · SB 348

Summary of SB 348: Statewide Health Care Coverage

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SB 348
Title: Statewide Health Care Coverage
Status: Filed
Introduced: November 04, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Appropriations, Veterans

SB 348 aims to establish a framework for universal health care coverage in Florida through the creation of a Task Force on Universal Health Care. The bill outlines the task force's responsibilities, membership, and the process for developing a comprehensive health care plan for all residents of Florida.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SB 348 is to create a universal health care system in Florida that is:
- Equitable: Ensures fair access to health care services for all residents.
- Affordable: Aims to reduce the financial burden of health care.
- Comprehensive: Provides a wide range of health care services.
- Publicly Funded: Funded through state resources to ensure availability to every individual residing in Florida.

Key Provisions

  1. Task Force Establishment:

    • A Task Force on Universal Health Care will be established to recommend the design of the "Health Care for All Florida Plan."
    • The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) will provide staff support.

  2. Membership:

    • The task force will consist of 20 members, including:
      • Two members from the Senate (one from each party).
      • Two members from the House of Representatives (one from each party).
      • Thirteen members appointed by the Governor, representing diverse social identities and areas of expertise.

  3. Responsibilities:

    • The task force will:
      • Develop recommendations for the Health Care for All Florida Plan.
      • Engage in a public process to solicit input from residents.
      • Establish advisory committees as needed.

  4. Public Health Care Option:

    • The Agency for Health Care Administration is tasked with developing a plan for a Medicaid buy-in program or a public health care option for certain residents.

  5. Reporting Requirements:

    • The task force must submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by a specified date.

  6. Funding and Appropriations:

    • The bill includes provisions for funding the task force and its activities.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • All residents of Florida, particularly those currently uninsured or underinsured, will benefit from the proposed universal health care system.
    • Health care providers, including individual and institutional providers, will be impacted by changes in how services are billed and reimbursed.

  • Procedural Aspects:

    • The task force is required to appoint members and begin its work by specified dates, with a timeline for reporting its recommendations to state leadership.

Conclusion

SB 348 represents a significant step towards establishing a universal health care system in Florida. By creating a dedicated task force and outlining a clear process for public engagement and expert input, the bill aims to address critical health care access issues in the state. The successful implementation of this plan could transform the health care landscape in Florida, making it more equitable and accessible for all residents.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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