State puts $100 million in reserves meant for kids’ health insurance program
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration is putting $100.7 million in reserves because the state overestimated the number of kids who would receive health insurance through a program meant for low-income families. An official with the agency told lawmakers on the Legislative Budget Commission on Friday that the change would realign Florida KidCare’s budget with the most recent enrollment and expenditure estimates, which predict that 482,474 fewer children will be enrolled in the program by next July. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
Florida health agency campaigns against abortion-rights ballot measure
On Thursday, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration launched a website opposing Amendment 4, saying that it “threatens women’s safety.” The website, which includes the agency’s seal, reiterates much of the same rhetoric used by political committees dedicated to fighting the amendment, including concerns about a lack of definitions in the amendment. More from the Tampa Bay Times and Politico.
Column: Solving Florida’s nursing shortage
The nursing profession is at a crossroads: Patient needs are growing and evolving as our population ages, and we face a critical shortage of trained nurses to respond. Being short-staffed takes a toll on everyone: doctors, nurses and ultimately patients. Staffing shortages create a vicious cycle; without enough nurses, the burden on others increases and individuals are more likely to leave a stressful work environment. [Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal]
How hurricanes impact children's mental health and how to help them cope
For months, we've heard forecasters say they expect this year's Atlantic hurricane season to be highly active — ranking among the busiest on record. NOAA predicts there could be 17 to 24 named storms before the season ends on Nov. 30. Of those, between four and seven are likely to become major hurricanes. But for children, hearing words like "disaster" or "explosive" when referring to hurricanes can be scary. [Source: WUSF]
Pediatricians scale back on COVID shots amid declining interest from families
Pediatricians are pre-ordering the updated and reformulated COVID-19 vaccine for the fall and winter respiratory virus season, but some doctors said they’re struggling to predict whether parents will be interested. Unlike other vaccinations, COVID shots aren’t required for kids to attend school, and parental interest seems to wane with each new formulation. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Is bankruptcy ordeal near an end for Steward Health's South Florida hospitals?
Steward Health Care has made tangible progress in its bankruptcy case over the past week that may include new owners for five South Florida hospitals owned by the struggling company. Steward has announced a settlement agreement that allows for the transfer of hospitals in several states to its landlord, Medical Properties Trust, which would operate the facilities while seeking new owners.
› Aetna spat with HCA could leave Florida patients looking for new doctors
Thousands of Floridians with Aetna health insurance could be looking for new doctors by next week due to a dispute between the insurer and HCA Healthcare over reimbursement rates. In a letter sent to customers, Aetna said that HCA hospitals will no longer be considered in-network in Florida and patients could end up having to pay if they continue to get treatment there.
› UF Health bone marrow transplant program loses physicians
Three physicians from the University of Florida Health’s Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) program in Gainesville are withdrawing from the program, leaving multiple UF Health patients seeking treatment elsewhere. Bone marrow transplants replace unhealthy stem cells with healthy ones to treat cancers and other blood and bone marrow diseases.
› New AdventHealth hospital a sign of rapid growth in south Hillsborough
AdventHealth’s newest hospital boasts surgery rooms with mobile X-ray machines that surgeons can slide over patients for live pictures while they operate. It has CAT scan machines inside the emergency department and a rooftop helipad. But leaders of AdventHealth Riverview Hospital are just as excited about several wings of the new building that, for now, are just concrete floors and exposed ductwork.