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In Florida, elderly and poor would fare worse under GOP health care plan
In Florida, elderly and poor would fare worse under GOP health care plan
For most of the 1.7 million Floridians enrolled in an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan, the House Republican proposal to repeal and replace it will change the financial aid they receive to pay their monthly premiums. The GOP proposal, called the American Health Care Act (AHCA), would begin in 2020. Instead of financial aid there will be tax credits, but less money than before -- on average $2,957 less per year per enrollee. In general, Floridians who are older, with lower incomes and live in rural areas will fare worse under the AHCA than they did under the ACA. Read more from the Miami Herald and the Kaiser Family Foundation.
See also:
» Higher premiums, lower subsidies for older people under ACA replacement
» Decision Florida: Lawmakers attack health care costs with sunlight
» Congress’ analyst: Millions to lose coverage under GOP bill
Hospitals worry about caring for newly uninsured in GOP plan
One of the most likely ways hospitals will make up for revenue losses is by increasing the amount they charge privately insured patients. But rural hospitals have less bargaining power to negotiate rates with insurers because they have such a small number of insured patients to begin with, said Bruce Rueben, president of the Florida Hospital Association. More from the AP and WUSF.
Florida among several states confronting drug formulary questions
In Florida, HB 95 was introduced by state Rep. Ralph Massullo to prevent a drug being dropped from a formulary, or moved to a higher-priced tier, in the middle of the insurance plan year. Similar bans are under consideration in Illinois and New York, among other states. [Source: Florida Politics]
Hoops legend Magic Johnson lobbies Florida lawmakers on health care
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the Los Angeles Lakers great, was in Tallahassee on Monday lobbying Florida lawmakers about health-care coverage. Johnson, who stunned the sports world in 1991 when he retired after contracting HIV, met with 10 members of the Senate Democratic caucus and later with Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart. More from the Palm Beach Post and the Miami Herald.
See also:
» Can Florida's first needle exchange help curb HIV?
» Florida Health highlights importance of HIV testing
Mental health care access in Florida threatened, advocates say
While Gov. Rick Scott's budget has proposed adding $25 million to the annual base budget for mental health, Senate leaders are weighing a $50 million cut in those funds, which would wipe out most of the gains in community-based programs of the past two years. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
See also:
» Florida Rep. Peters seeks more mental health funding
» Legislative coalition urges leaders to find money for mental health programs
› Opinion: Florida’s charitable clinics — still a smart investment
In 2016, the Florida Legislature and governor set a national standard by proactively responding to the widening coverage gap in our state and allocated $10 million to Florida’s free and charitable clinics for capacity expansion.
› Central Florida PTSD clinic funding included in defense budget
The $577.9 billion national defense bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this week includes a provision for money that would go to a University of Central Florida clinic that treats veterans and first responders for post-traumatic stress disorder.
› Senate could consider changing way nursing homes are paid
A change how the state’s nursing homes that accept Medicaid are paid is still being mulled in the Senate. According to POLITICO Florida, Senate President Joe Negron said his chamber is still changing the system from a cost-based system to a prospective payment plan.
› First Family Florida Health Insurance hires veterans
Florida health insurance firm works with clients to find the best available insurance plans. The firm also has experience in hiring veterans for the skills they bring to the business.
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Previous Health Care Updates:
- Florida hospitals: Building boom
- Abortion proposal on Florida's November ballot might not end legal fights about the issue
- More leprosy cases are popping up in Florida. Why an ancient disease might be endemic
- Thousands of Florida kids lost Medicaid, now some have no coverage
- Stuck in licensing limbo, Florida nursing students want answers. They're not getting them
- How a nationwide cyberattack is impacting Florida patients and hospitals
- The computer will see you now: Artificial Intelligence usage grows at Florida hospitals
- Measles is a 'heat-seeking missile' experts warn as Florida outbreak grows
- Florida's Medicaid enrollment numbers dip below 4.8 million in January
