To help repair the economic conditions, in mid-January the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus Bill) was introduced with a $787 billion recovery. The bill allocated $59 billion specific to health care, including:

• Subsidies to health care coverage for the unemployed; providing coverage through Medicaid
• Assistance to state Medicaid programs
• Health information technology systems
• Prevention and wellness

On February 17th, President Obama signed the final version of the Stimulus Bill. As we are able to review the final bill, we will keep you posted of the implications for employers and health plans.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida believes that the severity of the affordability and uninsured issues require a case for transformational change in today's health care environment. Our vision of reform includes five critical elements:

• Prevention and wellness
• Evolution in health care delivery
• Universal coverage
• Consistent and equitable funding for safety net programs
• Personal responsibility

As we move forward, we pledge to continue the dialogue, develop solutions that align with this vision, and work with various stakeholders to develop integrated approaches to health care affordability and access. Our mission is to advance the health and well-being of Florida's citizens and moves us to work toward a system where appropriate health care is available to all.