On Jan. 1, four new Florida laws take effect \u2014 quietly, but with big implications for everyday Floridians.<\/p>\n
4 new laws go into effect in Florida Jan. 1<\/p>\n
First, SB 158<\/a>. It\u2019ll remove cost barriers for state workers who need follow-up breast cancer screening.\u00a0 <\/p>\n If a test is medically necessary \u2014 like extra imaging or a diagnostic exam \u2014 the state insurance plan can\u2019t charge copays or deductibles.<\/p>\n “Oftentimes our state employees are overworked and underpaid, and so it’s so important that we understand that we have to have healthy people servicing our folks here in Florida,” said Rep. Gallop Franklin II (D) Tallahassee. <\/p>\n Another change: SB 1808<\/a>. It requires healthcare providers to refund patients within 30 days if they\u2019ve been overcharged. Providers that miss the deadline could face disciplinary action or fines.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is my position that that is that Floridian’s money and that Floridians should be reimbursed their money at the earliest possible date,” said Sen. Colleen Burton (R) Winter Haven. <\/p>\n Then there\u2019s\u00a0HB 655<\/a>, which sets new consumer rules for pet insurance.\u00a0<\/p>\n Companies must be upfront about what\u2019s covered, how claims get paid, and give pet owners time to cancel a policy for a refund.\u00a0 The law also cracks down on misleading sales and hidden requirements.<\/p>\n “This bill creates an efficient and effective regulatory framework for pet insurance that benefits consumers, empowers regulators and ensures the marketplace operates fairly,” said Rep. Kaylee Tuck (R) Sebring. <\/p>\n