Millions of Floridians will bear the brunt of federal health cuts
Millions of people in the US are expected to lose their health coverage in coming years because of shrinking funding for federal programs. Few states would suffer a bigger blow than Florida. Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expired in December. More than $900 billion in cuts to Medicaid safety-net programs are on the horizon. Across the US, in excess of 14 million people are expected to lose health insurance through 2034, according to health-policy research nonprofit KFF. More from Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg.
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Kickbacks, or care?
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. in 2021 sued Tampa Bay chiropractor Michael LaRocca and several of his dozen clinics that specialized in car accident injuries. State Farm, under Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, sought back $2.7 million it paid to treat people it insured. It said the treatments weren't medically necessary and, in a novel theory, alleged a LaRocca marketing approach — labeled by State Farm as a "kickback scheme" — violated his duty under the law to be legally responsible for his clinic's compliance with state patient brokering and antikickback laws. [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida medical marijuana sales reach new highs in 2026
Florida's rapidly growing medical marijuana industry reflects the increasing acceptance and demand for cannabis-based treatments in the state. The continued expansion of dispensaries and record-breaking sales figures demonstrate the significant economic impact of the medical marijuana program, as well as the state's commitment to providing patients with safe and reliable access to these products. [Source: Boca Raton Today]
DoctorGPT: AI’s rising role in Florida healthcare
Artificial intelligence has entered health care. Medical notes can now be transcribed with AI, diagnoses can be made on Google with the click of a button and ChatGPT is taking over the role of a traditional therapist for younger generations. Still, some in the medical field across Alachua County say AI needs more research, largely due to privacy concerns. Alachua County Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Taylor said the department uses AI for administrative tasks but remains wary of bringing the technology into patient care. [Source: The Alligator]
For first time in months Florida's measles cases stay flat
The number of measles cases in Florida has paused for the first time in months. According data from the Department of Health, there have been 144 cases of reported measles since April 4, the same number of reported measles cases as the previous weekly count on March 28. There have been no new cases in Collier County, the epicenter of a measles outbreak that began in January at Ave Maria University, since March 28. [Source: Health News Florida]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› UM medical students use virtual reality to explore art, enhancing clinical skills
A group of five University of Miami students used virtual reality headsets to gather around Rocco Marconi's 1525 painting "Christ and the Adulteress" and passionately debate what it depicts. But these weren't art majors. They were medical students, taking part in a new project that explores how visual arts in healthcare education can improve clinical practice — and even save lives.
› Florida State, Apalachee Center expand partnership to improve mental health care across the region
Florida State and the Apalachee Center are expanding their partnership to improve mental health care across Northwest Florida. Bridging health care and academics, this agreement allows both organizations to work side by side on extensive research and improve behavioral health treatment. College of Medicine Dean Alma Littles said that providing the best care possible for the community is a big priority and strengthening resources is part of the process to get there.
› Polk plans to expand indigent health care, rebuild health campus
Healthcare services for Polk County’s most vulnerable population could be getting a much-needed boost in the arm. A consensus of county commissioners agreed at the board’s annual retreat March 26 to allocate funding in the 2026-2027 county budget toward the eventual demolition and rebuild of the aging Polk General Hospital. A rebuild could cost about $100 million, funded by seed money of $30 million within the Indigent Health Care Fund, as well as other potential money from the county's general fund and possible state and federal funding.
› Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare assets are officially owned by FSU
Florida State University and the city of Tallahassee have officially completed the legal transfer of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare's city-owned hospital assets to the university. FSU president Richard McCullough made the announcement Friday in an email to all university students, faculty and staff.