Artificial intelligence is helping Floridians with brain tumors
When tumors form in the brain, surgeons face a daunting task in the operating room. The growths are often entrapped in clusters of arteries and nerves that control a person’s ability to see, hear, move and breathe. Error can result in paralysis and death. The operations are risky. But CyberKnife helps minimize the likelihood that something will go wrong. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Big money is pouring into Florida health systems. What it means for patients
A flurry of big-money donations is strengthening Florida’s health systems, a trend that will significantly benefit everyone who needs medical care in the years ahead. The million-dollar-plus donations by local billionaire philanthropists, who are aging and may need medical treatment themselves, are aimed at improving cancer care, funding research to prevent and treat diseases, fueling major hospital expansions, and adding specialized pediatric care. [Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel]
New study finds Florida men dying from melanoma at about twice the rate of women
A new study is shedding light on a troubling trend in Florida: the state’s seniors, especially older men, are continuing to bear the brunt of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University say on Monday, the issue isn’t just about sunshine. It is also about who is getting diagnosed, who is not, and who ultimately survives. [Source: CBS 12]
Florida goes a week without a new measles case, according to latest update
Florida went a week without new measles cases, according to the latest data from the state Department of Health. The state remained at 154 cases over 15 counties this year for the week of May 23-30, according to the department’s online database. Of those, 107 were in Collier County, with a large portion diagnosed in January and February at Ave Maria University. The state remains fourth overall for 2026 measles infections. [Source: WUSF]
Another big health insurer bails on Florida Obamacare, shrinking options
A major health insurer pulling out of Florida’s Obamacare options could portend an impending crisis beyond 2026’s jump in premiums which has already hit about one in five Floridians under 65, industry experts are warning. Cigna Healthcare’s announcement, filed with state officials May 15, 2026 to be effective in 2027, follows another major insurer, Aetna, which departed from the Obamacare marketplace at the end of 2025. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› How robotic cats and dogs are providing companionship to these Tampa Bay seniors
More than 20% of Florida’s population is 65 or older, and more than 10% of those seniors are considered low income, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted in fall 2025, 83% of pet owners age 50 and older said their pets give them a sense of purpose, and 71% said their pets help them enjoy life. But more than a third reported that having a pet strains their budget.
› Jacksonville philanthropy donates $5.5M to Wolfson Children's Hospital
Wolfson Children’s Hospital has received a $5.5 million grant from the Terry Family Foundation to support major pediatric cardiac and emergency care initiatives. Wolfson's parent, Baptist Health, matched a portion of the grant at 150%, for a total impact of $10 million. The grant is the Jacksonville-based philanthropy's largest investment in Northeast Florida since its $2.5 million donation to Sulzbacher in 2024.
› Medicaid termination letters leave South Florida behavioral health patients and therapists in limbo
Behavioral health companies in South Florida say they are being impacted by Medicaid termination letters, with facilities stating the cuts are harming patients who need help and leaving many therapists out of work. CBS News Miami reached out to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, which responded in part that there has been "no reduction in funding for behavior analysis services". The agency stated that ensuring Medicaid enrollees have access to all medically necessary services "remains one of the agency's highest priorities".
› Orlando Health announces plans to open a new hospital in Viera
Orlando Health revealed its plans to open a new hospital and medical office building in Viera that is expected to open as early as the fall of 2027. With construction set to begin this month, the new facility will replace the services lost when Rockledge Medical Center closed last year due to facility neglect and costly renovations after court documents showed the company was billions of dollars in debt.