Premiums could rise dramatically for millions of Floridians this year
An estimated 4 million Floridians who get their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act could see their health care premiums rise dramatically by the end of 2025, according to analyses of the congressional budget bill in play. House Republicans’ budget megabill that has advanced through two congressional committees would let enhanced ACA subsidies that most of the enrollees qualify for expire at the end of 2025. That would hit Florida harder than anywhere else. More from the Palm Beach Post and Florida Politics.
DeSantis says he will veto measure to change 1990 Florida medical malpractice law
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday he will veto a bill that seeks to expand lawsuits by some people pursuing medical malpractice claims involving the deaths of family members. DeSantis said the proposal (HB 6017) to repeal a long-controversial 1990 law will cause insurance premiums to “skyrocket” by allowing people to expand economic damage claims to include noneconomic damages. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Opinion: Solve Florida’s nursing shortage
For 23 years, nursing has been ranked the most trustworthy profession. While this recognition is humbling and well-deserved, it stands in sharp contrast to another reality: Nurses continue to face unprecedented levels of burnout, stress and fatigue. In fact, more than one-third of nurses are considering a career change within the next year — an alarming trend for Florida, where current projections show a need for an additional 59,000 nurses by 2035. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Medical debts erased for 310,000 Central Florida residents
Thousands of Orange County residents saddled with medical debts have been granted a “no-strings-attached gift,” according to a national nonprofit that partnered with the county to forgive bills totaling about $472.5 million. Over 310,000 people received notice in the past two weeks that a medical debt of theirs had been cancelled, officials said. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
With fewer out-of-state patients, Florida abortions are down 38% this year
Florida had a reported 13,951 abortions this year as of May 5, down nearly 38 percent from a similar period in 2024, according to new data posted online by the state Agency for Health Care Administration. The state had a reported 22,409 abortions during the first four months last year, News Service of Florida reported last May. The decrease came after a law took effect in May 2024 that prevents most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. [Source: Health News Florida]
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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Wesley Chapel’s next hospital unveils its name. It’s a mouthful.
What’s in a name? If you’re Wesley Chapel’s newest hospital, the answer is: a lot. Eight words and 55 letters, a mouthful destined to test the endurance of receptionists: Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital.
› Broward Health and Florida Blue contract dispute may put 17,500 patients out of network
In the newest contract breakdown between a health insurer and a South Florida provider, Florida Blue policyholders may end up facing higher costs. Florida Blue has sent letters to 17,500 people in Broward County, notifying them that, as of July 1, Broward Health will become an out-of-network provider because of the contract dispute. The insurer told its members that Broward Health is demanding contract terms with significantly higher rates that would have to be passed on to patients.
› AdventHealth Orlando makes largest health care investment in region’s history
AdventHealth Orlando is making the largest single investment in healthcare in Central Florida’s history to address the increasing health care demands of the Orlando area. “This project is paving the way for our Orlando campus to become America’s epicenter for surgical advancement, breakthrough treatments, pioneering research and medical education – all centered on our whole-person health philosophy,” said AdventHealth Orlando CEO Rob Deininger.
› Boca-based healthtech Dazos raises $25M Series A
Dazos, a behavioral health software provider based in Boca Raton, has secured a $25 million Series A from New York-based venture capital firm Radian Capital. Dazos , founded in 2022 by David Farache and Louis Devaleix, specializes in tech solutions for the behavioral health sector, focusing on addiction treatment and mental health. The company offers a suite of products including a behavioral health CRM and tools for revenue cycle management and business intelligence reporting, all designed to optimize admissions, manage leads and grow revenue.