About 1.25 million Floridians will share in more than $123 million health insurers are being forced to return to policy holders because the companies were not spending enough on caring for patients.

The refunds are a result of the national health care act that sets limits on how much profit health insurers can earn.

The Affordable Care Act sets what is called a medical loss ratio, which requires health insurers in Florida to spend at least 80 cents of every dollar they take in providing care.

So letters are on their way to more than a million consumers and businesses telling them they are getting a refund or a rebate. Eighteen companies in Florida will return more than $123 million.

Single families can expect an average $240 refund; small business $190 per insured employee; and large group companies will see an average of $94 for everyone they cover.

Activist Barbara Devane, who demonstrated in favor of the health care act, says the refunds are proof the law is working.

"Well, I'm just very happy that small businesses are reaping the rewards of the Affordable Care Act," said Devane, of Florida Alliance for Retired Americans.

The state initially asked for a waver to this 80 percent requirement, asking instead that insurers be required to spend only 68 cents of every dollar providing care. The request was denied in December.

Gov. Rick Scott told Fox News the state would continue to block the creation of health exchanges in Florida.

"If you care about patients, this is devastating for you," Scott said.

But Devane said the savings could be even greater if the governor would change his mind.

"When the exchanges are set up, people's rates will go down," she said.

Some checks are already in the mail.

In some cases, insurers will apply a rebate to premium charges, which could take place as early as August.