In 1982, a health care act was amended to include what might have sounded like just another study group or commission. It was given a long, somewhat obscure name, “The Florida Task Force on Competition and Consumer Choices in Health Care.” As you can see from the date, this was about 25 years before the Republicans and President Bush II introduced consumer choices in health care. The group created was unique for several reasons:
1. It was established for a two year term to make sure its’ work product would be complete, which it was.
2. It was fully funded up front, for both years, with ample money for consultants, staff, and travel.
3. Excluding the Chairman, the 20 members selected by the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives were recognized as the most knowledgeable and informed professionals on the subject in the state–none were pure political appointments.
In spite of the title of the group, since Democratic Governor Bob Graham selected me as Chairman, it was assumed that the final recommendations would include some kind of rate regulation of health care, which it did. Although at the time of the law’s passage, paying for indigent health care was a concern, upon final adoption, that was the centerpiece of the final report of the Task Force. The final report was incorporated in a comprehensive new landmark health care law enacted in 1984 under the leadership of Senators Harry Johnston (D., West Palm Beach), Ken Jenne (D., Hollywood), and Representative Fred Lippman (D., Hollywood).
