Though Florida lost its Supreme Court challenge to President Obamas health care law, state politicians could still have a say in setting minimum health benefits for plans here under the federal Affordable Care Act. And thats what has some health advocacy groups worried.

We have just seen the governor try to thwart the Affordable Care Act at every step he can, said Laura Goodhue, executive director at Florida CHAIN, a statewide consumer health care advocacy organization. We just dont want the governor to submit something that is completely opposite of the spirit and intention of the law.

Florida was the lead state challenging the Affordable Care Act and Gov. Rick Scott, since the ruling, refuses to comply with any part of the part of the law that isnt required. With the federal government promising to offer states flexibility, advocates worry that leaders in Florida will allow their repugnance for the federal law to cheapen the benefits available to its residents.

The Affordable Care Act strives to offer Americans not just affordable coverage, but quality coverage, proponents of the law say.

To ensure that plans dont leave out necessary coverage in the name of saving a buck, the Department of Health and Human Services came up with some parameters to set the low bar for plans offered to small employers and individuals buying insurance on their own.

This part of the law does not apply to plans offered by large employers because the vast majority offer comprehensive coverage already.

For the smaller markets, HHS has established certain categories that must be covered, such as maternity and pediatric care.

But the law leaves the decision of setting the minimum bar in the hands of state officials. States have until Oct. 1 to name their Essential Health Benefits or surrender the decision to the federal government. If that happens in Florida, a plan offered by Florida Blue (formerly Blue Cross Blue Shield) would be the minimum benchmark, per the federal rules.

A group of 15 medical and health advocacy organizations wrote to Scott, the state insurance commissioner and other leaders, asking them to hold public hearings and seek input on what benefits will best serve Floridians.

This is such an important decision that affects literally millions in Florida, said Goodhue, whose group was one of the letters signers.

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