IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2007

Hospitals Call on Governor Crist and Legislative Leaders
to Add PIP to Special Session

Tallahassee – The Florida Hospital Association (FHA) is disappointed the Florida Legislature could not reach agreement on the continuation of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance during its regular session.  On October 1, when PIP is scheduled to sunset, the 20% of Floridians under the age of 65 who have do not have health insurance will be left with no coverage when they get behind the wheel of their car.  A membership survey conducted by FHA found that hospitals and health insurers could face at least $350 million in lost revenues attributable to the sunset of PIP.  The study further revealed that 40% of motor vehicle crash victims had no other form of health insurance coverage.

“Florida’s hospital community is extremely disappointed that the Legislature did not address the PIP sunset,” said Jim Nathan, FHA Board Chair and CEO of Lee Memorial Health System in Ft. Myers.  A countdown to the sunset of PIP began during the final week of the regular session with ample time to address the sunset.  Hospital employees sent over 100,000 e-mails asking legislators to support the continuation of PIP or replace it with alternative coverage.  Hospital leaders will be convening via conference call to discuss the expected impact the loss of PIP will have on hospital services and what future actions can be taken to mitigate the serious impact on communities across Florida.

“The seriousness of this issue cannot be ignored.  Some hospitals may have to reconsider whether they can continue to operate their trauma centers and that would be a tragic loss for the people of Florida,” said Wayne NeSmith, President of FHA.  “In response to this situation, we will be asking the Legislative Leadership and Governor Crist to add PIP to the upcoming special session next month,” said NeSmith.

FHA has consistently advocated for the continuation of PIP or an acceptable form of alternative coverage.  Last year alone, Florida’s hospitals provided more than $2 billion in free care to Florida’s uninsured and treated more than 115,000 patients injured in motor vehicle crashes.

The Florida Hospital Association is a Tallahassee-based association representing the interests of Florida’s hospital community.

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