For IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 11, 2008

– COVER FLORIDA PROGRAM PROVIDES PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE FOR UNINSURED –

ALEXANDRIA, VA – With a stroke of the pen, former Florida Attorney General and Governor Charlie has put into place “Cover Florida,” an innovative, preventative health care program for the uninsured. The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC), the nation’s largest caucus of Republican state leaders, noted that the agreements signed by Governor Crist for “Cover Florida” is the type of pioneering ideas coming from the states while Congress remains unable to provide alternatives. “Cover Florida” was achieved without any taxpayers funds expended.

“While Congress continues to deny innovation in health care, state government leaders are acting,” said RSLC President Scott Ward. “Governor Crist has done an outstanding job to get unanimous support of the legislature and broad participation from insurers to provide low-cost health care options for preventive care. He should be commended for bringing all parties together to put forth a commonsense, solution to this issue.”

According to the Governor’s website, “Cover Florida gives uninsured Floridians the opportunity to take charge of their own preventive health care. Cover Florida benefit options include a robust set of benefits, such as coverage for preventive services, screenings, and office visits, as well as office surgery, urgent care, prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, and diabetic supplies…six private insurance companies have partnered with the State of Florida to offer affordable health insurance coverage. Cover Florida allows insurers to create innovative health insurance products that are affordable and guaranteed to Floridians who have been without insurance for at least six months, or who are recently unemployed…The coverage is voluntary for both individuals and for employers, and employees can even take their coverage with them if they change jobs.” More information can be found at www.coverfloridahealthcare.com.

The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) is the only national organization whose mission is electing Republicans to the office of Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and State legislator. The RSLC is the largest caucus of Republican state leaders in the country – making a national impact one state at a time.

The RSLC has over 70,000 donors from all 50 states supporting the RSLC’s goals to pursue a pro-growth agenda, including: reforming the tax code, healthcare and legal systems; promoting a better educational system; encouraging sound energy initiatives; and advocating public safety through tough, crime-fighting policies. During the 2008 election, the RSLC helped maintain the number of Republican Attorneys General and Lieutenant Governors across the U.S. In addition, the RSLC was able to deliver new Republican majorities in the Montana, Oklahoma and Tennessee state senates, as well as an unprecedented majority in the Tennessee House of Representatives.