Florida insurance losses could strain clinics and ERs for years
Federal estimates project 16 million Americans will lose health insurance by 2034 due to expiring subsidies and policy changes. Florida is expected to be among the states with the largest drops in insured residents, with its Hispanic population being disproportionately affected. Free health clinics, like the Caridad Center in Boynton Beach, are seeing a surge in new patients and are struggling with funding cuts. Many Floridians are facing unsustainable premium increases, forcing them to seek alternatives or drop coverage completely. [More from the Palm Beach Post and the Pensacola News-Journal.
Years after it was established, Florida’s uterine fibroid database is getting a fix so it can work
Gov. Ron DeSantis this month signed HB 327, a measure meant to strengthen state information collection, transparency and long-term research connected to a database on uterine fibroids, a health condition affecting millions of women. The measure, effective July 1, reestablishes and clarifies requirements for the state’s existing database covering uterine fibroids, the most common benign tumors affecting women. [Source: Miami Times]
Florida Hospital Association welcomes legislative funding for healthcare access
The Florida Hospital Association (FHA) is commending state legislators for allocating $49 billion earmarked for healthcare services across the state. The FHA is giving thumbs up to state lawmakers who included the billions of dollars in the 2026-2027 fiscal budget. The organization says the funding will help strengthen the healthcare workforce across the state. The allocations will also help build up healthcare access in rural areas and bolster medical care for vulnerable families. [Source: Florida Politics]
Vibrio vulnificus adds Florida risk, how to avoid 'flesh-eating' infection
Florida is heading into another hot, humid summer when the water looks so inviting, and delicious seafood is plentiful. But health officials are already tracking cases of Vibrio vulnificus, the so-called "flesh-eating bacteria" that can turn your pleasant day at the beach into a life-threatening medical emergency. However, scientists are working on ways to predict Vibrio levels in water before you dive in. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Traveling around the country as an ICU nurse
Since finishing nursing school in 2022, traveling pediatric ICU nurse Emma Larson has worked in St. Petersburg, Florida, upstate New York, Columbus, Ohio, New York City, and Phoenix, Arizona. Where is she headed next? TBD. “I’m really open to anywhere,” she said. Traveling nurses on short-term contracts became indispensable during the COVID-19 pandemic, when healthcare worker shortages forced hospitals to bring on record levels of temporary help. [Source: Marketplace]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› BayCare, United Healthcare come to terms on a multiyear agreement
BayCare and United Healthcare reached a multiyear agreement on Friday, assuring the health system remains in-network for the insurer’s customers. The companies announced the deal two days before the current contract’s expiration, which would have left about 147,000 United customers without access to BayCare’s providers and facilities.
› Seminole State College to get ‘transformational’ $10M in state budget to expand nursing program
Seminole State College could get $10 million from the state budget, as school leaders call it a “transformational opportunity” to double its nursing program and expand other workforce needs with a new building. “In Central Florida, Seminole State is probably the biggest winner financially” in the state budget, said Rep. David Smith, the Winter Springs Republican who handled the local funding request for the House.
› Hidden pain, open conversation: Jacksonville church takes on mental health crisis
For many people struggling with mental health challenges, the hardest step is simply speaking up. At a Jacksonville church, leaders are working to change that by bringing conversations about trauma, healing and emotional wellness out of the shadows and into the community. Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a Mental Health Summit aimed at reducing stigma, raising awareness and connecting residents with support through both faith and community resources.
› Mom blames Florida Blue, Broward Health dispute for daughter’s $11,500 ER bill
Go to the nearest ER first, figure out billing later. That’s often the advice people hear when it comes to potential medical emergencies. A federal law requires health insurers to cover care for medical emergencies at in-network rates, including at out-of-network emergency rooms. But, as Pompano Beach resident Kendra Fletcher has learned, ER doctors and health insurers don’t always agree on what qualifies as a medical emergency.