Florida is becoming a hotbed for reversing biological age
Scientists have discovered that people’s biological age, which is how old their cells, tissues and organs are, often differs from their chronological age, the number of years they have been alive. As researchers study ways to slow down or reverse a person’s biological age, Florida is now considered a hotbed for clinics, treatments, trials and supplements. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida hospitals lock in $8 billion Medicaid windfall as federal limits loom
Florida hospitals has secured approval for nearly $8 billion in supplemental Medicaid payments just before new federal limits are expected to reshape how states finance such programs. The funding, reported by Stat, flows through Florida’s hospital Directed Payment Program and covers care delivered between Oct. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved the structure in late April, allowing the state to move forward with the financing arrangement. [Source: WUSF]
Florida health centers get ready for hurricane season
With hurricane season beginning June 1, Florida community health centers gathered in Tampa last week to sharpen their emergency plans and share lessons learned from past disasters. The two-day Health Emergency Management Summit wrapped up last Friday. It was was organized with help from International Medical Corps, a global humanitarian organization. [Source: The Invading Sea]
At a glance: Healthcare-related highlights on Florida's completed budget agreement
Florida House and Senate leaders reached a final deal on the state budget late Sunday night, the last step in an extended process that required a special session to complete for the second year in a row. The spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1 will be nearly $115 billion, less than the Senate’s preferred budget but not the $113.6 billion plan preferred by the House. [Source: WUSF]
No measles cases in Florida over most recent week of reporting
No measles cases were reported in Florida over the most recent reporting period, according to the state Department of Health. Florida remained at 150 cases for the year as of the week ending May 9. That’s reflective of a continuing slowdown in infections after outbreaks earlier this year. Collier County, which experienced a large outbreak this year linked to Ave Maria University, has now gone four weeks without a new case and remains at 107 total infections. [Source: Health News Florida]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery to get June 2026 vote by commissioners
An update on the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery: after years of delays, the Miami Dade County Commission will finally vote on opening the center. County Commission Chairman Anthony Rodriguez on Tuesday grudgingly said he would finally place it on the agenda of the commission's next meeting in June.
› Spotting a deadly melanoma often takes a handheld device. Does your doctor have one?
Across Tampa Bay, a growing number of physicians are trading insurance reimbursements for direct payments and concierge services, a model where patients pay a recurring fee for enhanced access, longer visits and more personalized care. Frustrated by shrinking margins, administrative burden and limited time with patients, doctors are in the process of recasting themselves as entrepreneurs or partnering with operators who can scale it themselves.
› Central Florida doctor discusses rise in childhood anxiety
A study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association between 2014 and 2023 found a stark rise in primary care physician visits related to anxiety — a 300% relative increase over 10 years. Orlando Health pediatrician, Dr. Gayathri Kapoor, says social media, societal standards and peer pressure may be catalysts for anxiety in adolescents and elementary-age children.
› New healthcare center opens in Mulberry, expanding access for rural residents
Mulberry residents in Southern Polk County will now have expanded access to healthcare services with the opening of a new Central Florida Healthcare Center. The facility aims to address the healthcare needs of the growing rural population by providing services closer to home. The new center, which marks the 18th for Central Florida Health Care, will reduce barriers for residents by offering a range of services, including behavioral health, rheumatology, and a drive-thru pharmacy.