Florida governor signs bill aiding doctors

Over vehement objections of major Florida businesses, some health insurers, and consumer groups, Gov. Charlie Crist signed into law a bill that will require insurers to send payments of claims directly to out-of-network doctors, if the patient allows. The provision has sparked a maelstrom of debate over the issue of out-of-network doctors charging whatever they want, rather than accepting negotiated discounts for in-network doctors. Insurance Consumer Advocate Sean Shaw urged the governor to veto the legislation because the bill was "a backward step from attempts to corral the spiraling cost of healthcare and put more consumers at grave financial risk."