Governor Rick Scott defends utilizing Florida's low-cost health care plan after being criticized

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Governor Rick Scott responded to criticism that he participates in Florida's taxpayer-subsidized health care insurance plan for state employees by saying that he takes part in the same plan as all state workers.

Scott, a multimillionaire and former hospital chain executive, is not accepting salary for his job as governor, but is paying less than $400 a year for insurance for himself and his wife.

Speaking during an event to promote Florida's tax-free weekend for people shopping for supplies, Scott defended himself saying "I'm participating in the state plan just like everybody else."

Scott is among nearly 32,000 people in state government who pay relatively low health insurance premiums. It's a perk that is available to high-ranking state officials.