Florida governor pitches new health insurance plan

During a visit to St. Mary's Medical Center, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said Florida's 3.8 million uninsured residents could have the option to purchase low-cost, low-coverage and state-approved health plans from private insurance companies. The state Legislature has been slow to debate the proposal, however, despite it being the governor's top 2008 legislative initiative. Crist noted during the visit that St. Mary's alone paid $102 million in uncompensated care last year.