During the '90s, when the US economy was strong, a corporate executive could demand a big salary, with bonuses, and of course health insurance for their spouse, and kids. A lot has changed since then, says a Florida health insurance consultant, 'especially if you're married, and have a big family.'

Florida's health insurance situation is now at a point where being married with children is a big red X. Florida Health Insurance Web, a free health insurance service said: "recently employers are listing their new insurance applicants as mostly single, with zero dependants, where a few years ago it was more even. This shows a shift of jobs going to single applicants who carry less liability." While it is illegal to discriminate against employees because of family size, secretly many married job seekers are being denied jobs after being asked whether or not they were married, or had kids.

A report aired on ABC news said "men and women are being denied jobs because their family size would cost too much to insure." This new trend is occurring across the state, according to a Florida health insurance report, which says single mothers, with kids, are being denied jobs contrary to Florida law.

White collar workers are losing their company paid health insurance benefits without losing their jobs, all the way down to the new applicant trying to find coverage for their family. "This insurance sifting is happening all over," said Moran, where companies try to minimize overall costs by weeding out the costs, and hiring new employees with limited, or no health insurance benefits. Moran said, "It is a scary situation for anyone trying to insure a family of three of more."

The Jacksonville, Florida health insurance consultant said, "A benefit cutting trend is appearing across Florida. Many highly skilled workers -- those who are still employed -- are finding their employer funded insurance plans are no longer offered, and workers with children are having a difficult time finding new jobs with insurance."

Moran said, "A recent report, published by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) revealed how many white-collar workers in Florida have lost their employer-based health insurance in just the last year, even though they didn't change jobs."

Moran, a Jacksonville business and insurance consultant said, "The days of great job with benefits, is suddenly changing to, oh you have children?" Those old enough to remember the '70s know layoffs will be in the future for many of us across the state, if current business trends continue.

RECESSION -- a lot of companies across the state are having financial problems. Fuel costs are cutting into everyone's bottom line. "When a company wants to reduce costs, they usually start cutting in the benefit department." Moran said, "The employer will usually begin cutting losses by shifting the cost of health insurance premiums to the employees. They first charge a higher co-pay and deductible from their workers, but eventually a lot of these companies decide they cannot continue to offer insurance benefits and decide to cancel the plan all together.

"As these companies continue to struggle with rising fuel costs, they will have to make some hard choices; either choose gas for the company trucks or health insurance for their employees." Moran said, "Cutting health insurance bonuses to employees may be the lesser of two evils for companies considering cutbacks, with layoffs being their only other option."

"The EPI's report said workers with employer-provided health insurance policies are down more than 5%." Moran said, "The most troubling part of this insurance report shows white-collar occupations; including executives, managers and workers, were just as likely as a blue-collar worker to lose their insurance benefits… companies are cutting back across the board."

"If current trends continue, there is a good chance a company provided insurance plan may soon be a thing of the past. Sooner or later you may have to find your own health insurance plan," said Moran. Rates and benefits vary by company, but a health insurance consultant can check all available policies, and guide you; at no additional cost, to the best policy. Florida health insurance web is a free insurance consulting service located on the web at www.FloridaHealthInsuranceWeb.com