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Bill

HB 497

Nonprofit Agricultural Organization Medical Benefit Plans

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shane Abbott and 3 co-sponsors

Florida law exempts nonprofit agricultural organizations from health insurance regulations when offering medical benefit plans to members and employees.

Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/CS/SB 480 (Ch. 2025-54)
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Bill Summary · HB 497

Legislative bill overview

HB 497 allows nonprofit agricultural organizations in Florida to establish and offer medical benefit plans to their members and employees without being subject to standard health insurance regulations. The bill creates a carve-out from state insurance law, treating these plans as member services rather than regulated insurance products.

Why is this important

This legislation affects how agricultural workers and organization members access health coverage, potentially lowering costs for participating organizations but also reducing consumer protections typically guaranteed under regulated insurance plans. The exemption from insurance regulations means these plans aren't subject to standard oversight regarding coverage disputes, solvency requirements, or consumer complaint procedures.

Potential points of contention

  • Consumer protections: Members lose standard insurance regulatory protections, including state insurance commissioner oversight and guaranteed claim dispute resolution processes
  • Regulatory arbitrage: Creating unregulated alternatives to standard health insurance could fragment the market and make comparison shopping difficult for consumers
  • Definition scope: "Nonprofit agricultural organizations" may be interpreted broadly, potentially extending benefits beyond traditional farming groups to tangentially-related entities

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

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