Florida seeks share of $50 billion in federal funding for rural health care
When a rural Floridian misses a routine checkup because the nearest clinic is 50 miles away, the consequences can be serious — and sometimes life-threatening. The state hopes to change that with its application for a share of $50 billion available through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, a fund aimed at improving care in rural communities nationwide. All 50 states have sent applications to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which will review the submissions and announce the awards by Dec. 31. [Source: WUSF]
Commentary: Federal drug pricing plan hurts Florida arthritis patients
A quarter of Florida adults — more than 4 million people — live with arthritis. Almost everyone in the state knows someone coping with swollen joints, chronic pain or the fear of losing mobility. But now, a new drug pricing plan debated in Washington could upend their care. In theory, it promises to lower drug costs by tying U.S. prices to those set in foreign countries. In practice, it would slash the payments small, private practices receive from both Medicare as well as private insurers. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Florida lawmakers offer a bill that could lead to lawsuits over vaccine ads
House and Senate Republicans on Wednesday filed proposals that could lead to lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers that advertise in Florida. The identical bills (HB 339 and SB 408), filed by Rep. Monique Miller, R-Palm Bay, and Sen. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, would allow people to sue manufacturers if they are harmed by vaccines advertised in the state. The bills are filed for the 2026 legislative session, which will start in January. [Source: News Service of Florida]
AARP Florida survey finds older Floridians anxious health care access
Floridians age 45 and older are increasingly anxious about their financial security, health care access and housing stability, according to AARP Florida’s newly released Vital Voices survey. The statewide report — conducted every three years to identify the top issues facing older residents — paints a picture of deepening economic strain and persistent uncertainty over the cost of living and future government support programs. [Source: Florida Politics]
Florida Blue-hospitals contract negotiations leave tens of thousands of patients in limbo
A South Florida family says they were pushed into a difficult, last-minute healthcare decision as their insurance provider, Florida Blue, remains unable to reach agreements with two of the region’s largest public hospital systems — and is now in negotiations with a third. Florida State Rep. Chip LaMarca, whose own family is insured by Florida Blue, said constituents across the district are facing similar uncertainty. [Source: NBC Miami]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› The Sensory Bus is a traveling therapy space for children with sensory needs
Four months ago, Katy Alexander tirelessly searched Facebook Marketplace for the perfect vehicle: an old bus. This would soon become her pride and joy and, from Oct. 31, her fulltime job. As an occupational therapist in the Marion County School District over the past 10 years, Alexander sensed there was a space of need in her community. She knew there were children with disabilities without access to sensory services, especially homeschooled students in rural areas. This inspired her to start The Sensory Bus.
› Cats in the operating room? Tales of Sarasota's oldest hospital, from a local history buff
When Sarasota Memorial Hospital opened in November 1925, it cost $40,000 to build and had 32 beds. A hundred years later, it's one of the biggest employers in the region, with more than 1,100 patient beds at two locations, Sarasota and Venice. The hospital is breaking ground on a third location in North Port on Friday. Historian Jeff LaHurd researched the history of the hospital for a book called "A Century of Caring" to mark the hospital's 100th anniversary.
› IRSC nursing dean recognized among Florida’s 50 most influential women leaders
Dr. Patricia Gagliano, dean of the School of Nursing at Indian River State College (“The River”), was honored as a recipient of the News Service of Florida Above & Beyond award at the organization’s 3rd annual Above & Beyond gala at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Tallahassee. The Above & Beyond award celebrates the 50 most influential and thought-provoking women in Florida who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in their respective fields while making significant contributions to society.
› Halle Berry to participate in massive West Palm Beach health summit
Back for its second year in Palm Beach County and starting on Nov. 13 is Eudēmonia Summit, a multi-day health and wellness event being held at the Hilton West Palm Beach and adjacent Palm Beach County Convention Center. The summit, which runs through Nov. 16, will feature presentations, classes, exercise sessions and symposiums helmed by more than 150 experts hailing from everywhere from the halls of academia, to Hollywood red carpets, to Tibetan monasteries.