New data showing how many Americans have signed up for health insurance under the new health care law were released this week.
According to the data, relatively few Floridians have signed up.
Nationwide, about 100,000 people have enrolled for health insurance under the new health care exchange system. That’s way below expectations—even taking into account ongoing glitches within the market’s website.
In Florida, about 3,500 people have successfully signed up. This is also a pretty low number considering Florida has one of the highest uninsured rates in the country.
During a conference call with reporters, State Rep. Mia Jones, D-Jacksonville, a staunch supporter of the health care law, said she wishes the numbers were higher.
“If I had it my way we would have flipped a switch and had all one point plus million Floridians would have been able to be covered by now,” she said.
Jones said she’s optimistic people are waiting until its closer to Jan. 1, when benefits kick in, or right before the enrollment period ends in March.
However, she said state officials haven’t been helpful in educating Floridians about their options under the new law. Jones also noted that many people don’t’ know they qualify to buy insurance in the marketplace.
Many Floridians would also qualify for federal subsidies that would help pay their premiums.
