Ready or not here they come: 20,000 college employees expected to join state health insurance plan
As many as 20,000 employees at Florida colleges are expected to switch to the state group health insurance program, which will likely drive up costs for a program that has needed cash infusions from legislators to stay in the black. State economists gathered to draw new forecasts for the number of individuals and families participating in the program that provides health insurance coverage to state and retired state workers. [Source: Florida Politics]
Fight over abortion measure's financial impact statement goes to Florida Supreme Court
A political committee leading efforts to pass a constitutional amendment on abortion rights has asked the Florida Supreme Court to invalidate a revised financial impact statement that would appear on the November ballot with the initiative. Floridians Protecting Freedom on Wednesday filed a petition contending that House Speaker Paul Renner and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo did not have the authority to direct a panel to revise the statement after a circuit judge rejected an earlier version. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Best hospitals in Florida ranked by U.S. News & World Report
Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville is the best hospital in Florida, according to U.S. News & World Report's latest "Best Hospitals" ranking. Mayo Clinic is no stranger to the No. 1 spot. U.S. News & World Report has given the hospital the top ranking in the state for eight of the last 10 years. U.S. News & World Report said it evaluated 258 hospitals in Florida, and 31 "meet high U.S. News standards and are recognized as Best Regional Hospitals." [Source: Gainesville Sun]
Florida reports a surge in COVID cases, but how dangerous is the virus today?
COVID-19 cases are on the rise this summer in Florida. The state Department of Health reported 21,531 cases in the first week of July, about an 11% increase from its lowest weekly total in April at 2,390 cases. County totals shows high weekly case totals as well in July, with a slight decrease from Week 1 to Week 2. [Source: Central Florida Public Media]
A pediatrician group's challenge of a Florida House subpoena will go to trial
A federal judge last week set the stage for a trial in a battle over the state House’s attempt to obtain internal information about how the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics developed standards of care for children diagnosed with gender dysphoria. [Source: News Service of Florida]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Mental health professionals are now responding to 911 calls in Tampa
Dispatchers now have another option when someone in Tampa calls 911 with a mental health emergency. Instead of police officers, crisis counselors will respond. The program partners the Tampa Police Department and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.
› Hear from patient whose medical records got leaked in Florida health department data breach
It’s been nearly three weeks since thousands of files from the Florida Department of Health were leaked onto the dark web. Now, sensitive medical information on dozens of Floridians is out there and even more than what we originally reported. Many of the patients whose information was compromised likely still don’t know.
› 3 managed care plans challenge Florida Medicaid procurement
Florida’s decision to award Medicaid-managed care contracts to health plans following a massive re-procurement is being challenged in state administrative court by three spurned providers. The parties have 10 days from filing the Notice of Intent to file amended complaints. AHCA will likely refer the cases to the state Division of Administrative Hearings soon thereafter and a hearing should be held within 30 days.
› A Baptist Health medical campus is under review for a St. Johns community
Plans are in review for Baptist Health to develop a medical campus in the Silverleaf community of St. Johns County. The proposed 118,000-square-foot project includes a freestanding 24/7 Baptist/Wolfson Children’s Emergency Center, office space and a maintenance building. A helipad for air ambulance services and future expansions are also part of the plans submitted July 19.