Bill > H0497

This bill creates a new section in Florida Statutes that allows certain nonprofit agricultural organizations to offer medical benefit plans to their members under specific conditions. To qualify, the organization must be state-domiciled, tax-exempt under federal 501(c)(3) status, primarily focused on rural community development and farmer economic stability, serve members beyond medical plans, collect annual dues, have existed before 1945, and have members from most of Florida's counties. These medical benefit plans are not considered insurance under Florida law, and the organization must provide a prominent written disclaimer on all materials stating that the plan is not traditional health insurance and is not subject to the same regulatory protections. The nonprofit agricultural organization is prohibited from marketing these plans through licensed insurance agents and must conduct and publicly share an annual independent financial audit. The bill aims to provide an alternative medical benefit option for agricultural organization members while ensuring transparency about the nature and limitations of these plans, with the provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

Insurance & Banking Subcommittee (H)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/497