Campaign Against Relaxing Regulations on Discount Medical Plans
Situation:
A provision contained in a sweeping insurance "train" passed in the waning days of the 2006 session significantly reduced the state's authority to regulate Discount Medical Plan Organizations (DMPOs). When the Consumer Federation of the Southeast became aware of the provision, advocates wanted to sound the alarm that in a state where many elderly and low-income citizens are desperately seeking an alternative to soaring healthcare costs, deregulating DMPOs would be a dangerous step backwards in the fight to protect consumers from unscrupulous providers. Their goal: secure a veto of this onerous legislation.
Strategy:
In less than 5 days, we developed a hard-hitting media strategy highlighting numerous studies citing the unreliable and fraudulent tactics used by some unscrupulous DMPO providers. On behalf of the Consumer Federation of the Southeast and the Florida Consumer Action Network, the state's largest consumer group, we conceived, scripted and convened a statewdie news conference calling for a veto of the legislation. The event garnered statewide TV and print coverage. The Tallahassee Democrat also weighed in with a timely editorial in support of the consumer groups' position as the bill was awaiting the Governor's signature.
Outcome:
The bill reached the governor's desk on June 12th with 15 days to sign. The media attention and third party advocacy we generated over the ensuing two-week period drew the attention of the Governor's staff and ultimately led to a veto of the bill. In his veto message, the Governor specifically cited the provision relaxing regulation of discount medical plan organizations and its potential effect on Florida consumers.
