Florida was to expand children’s health insurance. Instead, it’s been kicking kids off its rolls

Florida was to expand children’s health insurance. Instead, it’s been kicking kids off its rolls

A Florida law that was to start January 1 would give better coverage at a much lower rate, but the state has delayed implementing it while it fights a federal rule that prevents states from kicking children off the health insurance plans, if their parents miss a payment. Florida could expand KidCare to cover an estimated 42,000 more children if it complies with that federal rule. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

This year, Florida community health centers took on more than medicine

In this year's devastating hurricane season, Florida community health centers proved indispensable in disaster response and recovery, providing far more than medical care. The back-to-back blows of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton left the region reeling, testing the resilience and adaptability of health care providers. [Source: Public News Service]

Florida COVID deaths top 5,800 for 2024, but significantly fewer than previous years

The number of Florida resident deaths this year linked to COVID-19 will be significantly lower than in past years. Data posted on the Florida Department of Health website Monday morning showed that 5,896 resident deaths had been tied to COVID-19 this year. This year’s pace of deaths is lower than during the past four years. [Source: Health News Florida]

Fights over abortion, marijuana, Medicaid marked 2024 health news in Florida

When it came to health policy, the law banning most abortions after six-weeks’ gestation was the biggest change in Florida this year. But the state agencies overseeing health safety net programs also made headlines over missteps in purging Medicaid rolls and attempts to link undocumented immigrants to strains on the health care system. [Source: Florida Phoenix]

2024 was the year of weight loss for Floridians. Wondering why?

For Floridians, 2024 was a year of weight loss and emerging revelations about anti-obesity medications. More than an estimated million Floridians are now using weight-loss medications, and experts believe that number will continue to rise. Nationally, about 15 million adults have used injectable medicines for weight loss, according to the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Major health care conglomerates are making big investments in Pasco [Business Observer]
In 2024, Pasco County grew in all directions. Housing developments sprung up with the goal of keeping pace with population growth (632,996 people called Pasco home in 2023, a 3.82% increase from 2022), economic development groups went on global treks to bring in new business to the region and high profile medical hub projects abound.

› Tampa General performs first pancreas transplant using high-tech transit device [Tampa Bay Times]
When it’s not inside the human body, the pancreas is a fragile thing. To be viable for organ donation, it survives best if stored between 4 and 8 degrees. But that narrow temperature window is a challenge when organs are transported across the country in plastic coolers with crushed ice. That’s why Tampa General recently invested in a high-tech hypothermic preservation device that keeps the organ at optimal temperature during transit.

› AdventHealth gives $9 million to fund community resources [Orlando Business Journal]
AdventHealth is providing more than $9 million to five local nonprofits tied to providing care for those experiencing homelessness as well as for affordable housing. The Altamonte Springs-based health system will provide a varied amount of funding to The Sharing Center, Special Hearts Farm, United Global Outreach, The Salvation Army of Orlando and Cristo Rey Orlando High School.

› Cleveland Clinic plans to build a hospital in downtown West Palm Beach [WUSF]
The renowned Ohio-based Cleveland Clinic announced plans last week to open a hospital in West Palm Beach on the downtown's western edge along Clear Lake. Cleveland Clinic also announced a major expansion of its outpatient services at the downtown CityPlace development. The new hospital will have 150 beds, an emergency department, a medical office building and an ambulatory surgery center.