Release Date: March 6, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp Promotes Cover Florida
Health Care at Florida SBDC Network in Pensacola

Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp and Representative Jimmy Patronis

Pensacola, FL – On March 5, 2009, Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp held a press conference in Pensacola at the Florida Small Business Development Center Network, in front of its Mobile Business Assistance Center, as part of a two-day public awareness campaign to promote Cover Florida Health Care. Cover Florida received unanimous approval by legislators during the 2008 session and provides access to affordable, quality health insurance coverage to Florida’s nearly four million uninsured.

Six private insurance companies have partnered with the State of Florida to offer health insurance coverage through Cover Florida. The plans are available to Florida applicants age 19 to 64 who have been without health insurance for at least six months, or who are recently unemployed – even if there are pre-existing health conditions. Floridians may also be eligible if, during the previous six months, they have lost employer-sponsored health benefits or are no longer covered by a public health insurance program. During the press conference, Lt. Governor Kottkamp said, “Parents should not have to rush their children to an emergency room because their family lacks basic health care. Florida families and small business owners who have been waiting for affordable health insurance options should consider the Cover Florida plans.” No tax dollars were required to create Cover Florida health insurance plans, and the Governor has vowed that no tax payer dollars will be spent marketing them. Representative Jimmy Patronis joined Lt. Governor Kottkamp in Pensacola, and both thanked the press and organizations such as the Florida SBDC Network for assisting with getting the word out about the affordable health plan. State designated as the Principal Provider of Small Business Assistance, the Florida SBDC Network comes in contact with more than 350,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners, annually, in its pursuit of helping businesses start, grow and succeed. Interested Floridians should visit www.CoverFloridaHealthCare.com to learn more about the Cover Florida Health Care Access Program. The Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network of 34 centers, is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, hosted by the University of West Florida and accredited through the national Association of SBDCs by Congressional mandate. For over 30 years, the Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations and has been dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. To learn more about the Florida SBDC Network or to find an SBDC near you, visit www.FloridaSBDC.org  or call 1.866.737.7232.

State Director's Office l 401 E Chase St, Ste 100 l Pensacola, FL 32502
866.737.7232 or 850.473.7800 l www.FloridaSBDC.org