Higher health care premiums likely for millions of Floridians
Expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies will significantly impact Florida, which has the highest proportion of ACA enrollees. Nearly 2 million Floridians could lose healthcare coverage by 2034 due to expiring subsidies and new Medicaid rules. Lower-income households will be disproportionately affected, with some premiums potentially increasing by more than 400%. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
DeSantis cites 'bureaucratic overreach' in veto of Florida nursing education bill
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday vetoed a bill that would have increased state requirements for nursing-education programs. The House on May 2 unanimously passed the bill (HB 1427), while the Senate approved it in a 26-5 vote. The bill would have made a series of changes related to the Florida Board of Nursing’s approval and oversight of nursing education programs. For example, the bill would have allowed the board to consider “adverse actions” taken against nursing education programs elsewhere in the U.S. when making decisions about program approvals. [Source: News Service of Florida]
See also:
» DeSantis vetoes bill on prescription drug program for state employees
As mosquito season peaks, officials brace for new normal of dengue cases
As summer ushers in peak mosquito season, health and vector control officials are bracing for the possibility of another year of historic rates of dengue. And with climate change, the lack of an effective vaccine, and federal research cuts, they worry the disease will become endemic to a larger swath of North America. About 3,700 new dengue infections were reported last year in the contiguous United States, up from about 2,050 in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All of last year’s cases were acquired abroad, except for 105 cases contracted in California, Florida, or Texas. [Source: WUSF]
People convicted of pot crimes can now lose medical marijuana cards
If you’ve been convicted of certain crimes involving illegal marijuana possession or distribution, you won’t be able to get a medical marijuana card. As one of the last bills signed this year, Gov. Ron DeSantis has approved SB 2514, which includes language prohibiting people convicted of drug crimes, including weed, from being part of the state’s medical program. [Source: Florida Politics]
New Florida laws expand access to care for children with disabilities
Children with disabilities across Florida will soon see more support, thanks to two new state laws aimed at improving access to care. More than a million children in the state are living with some form of disability, according to the Florida Department of Health. To better serve those families, lawmakers have passed legislation streamlining the Home Health Aide for Medically Fragile Children program. The goal is to make sure every child receives the individualized care they need. [Source: WCJB]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› This Miami-area hospital is closing its maternity ward. What it means for patients
Expecting parents who live in south Miami-Dade County and plan to give birth at Jackson South Medical Center will soon need to look elsewhere. The public hospital’s labor and delivery unit will be closing in the fall, leaving a large swath of the county that is already underserved with less access to nearby, essential maternal care, the Miami Herald has confirmed. Jackson South, part of the county’s public hospital system, primarily serves patients who live in Perrine, Richmond Heights, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and other parts of southern Miami-Dade.
› Palm Beach County preserved hospitals' Medicaid money before tax bill took effect
Palm Beach County commissioners met in an emergency session two days before President Donald Trump signed his “One Big Beautiful” tax-and-spending bill into law to blunt its impact on area hospitals. The commission passed a measure to help the hospitals preserve millions of dollars in Medicaid funds when it met July 2. Hospital leaders said acting before the new law took effect would keep the money in place.
› Tampa General nurses are now using AI with their patients
As a nurse specializing in neuroscience at Tampa General Hospital, Renee Albert spends a lot of time updating charts. The process involves writing down exactly what they did with patients and when. It can eat up a lot of time - some nurses spend up to 15% of their shifts documenting interactions with patients. In an effort to cut down on that, Tampa General Hospital implemented a pilot artificial intelligence program in February.
› Amazon moves to add pharmacy services in Duval County
Seattle-based online retailer Amazon’s online pharmacy has registered with the state to do business in Duval County. No location is identified. Amazon Pharmacy #041 registered June 30, 2025,with the Florida Division of Corporations. The owner is shown as PillPack LLC of Manchester, New Hampshire. PillPack is one of the pharmacy’s services. Amazon already has at least a dozen fulfillment and delivery centers in Northeast Florida.