MIAMI -- Miami-Dade County is teaming up with a major health insurer to offer health care coverage to residents who currently can't afford it.

The new plan, Miami-Dade Blue, is offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and provides a network of almost 1,600 doctors and specialists for a monthly premium of as little as $110, depending on age, gender and other variables.

Blue Cross/Blue Shield was chosen as the plan administrator through a county bid process. Small businesses will have the opportunity to offer the coverage to employees.

Some 600,000 Miami-Dade residents, or one in four people, have no insurance. Their health care at emergency rooms and clinics costs the county millions a year in indigent care.

"The good news is it's available to anyone. But when you really look at the plan design, it's really designed for Miami-Dade County residents," said BCBS of Florida Market President Penny Shaffer.

The low-cost, county-monitored insurance program is tailored for residents who cannot afford private insurance and do not qualify for another public program, like Medicaid or KidCare. It offers limited benefits and a limited network, but includes seven hospitals and 1,500 doctors.

The three-year pilot program begins Wednesday.

A town hall meeting is scheduled from 5:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m. Wednesday to answer questions about the program. It will be held at William H. Turner Technical Arts High School, 10151 NW 19th Ave. in Miami. During the meeting, residents will also have the opportunity to sign up for the program.

For information, call 800-950-8519.