Can money buy you Alzheimer's protection? They're trying in Florida
Most doctors will tell you that no one has survived an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, but Florida is becoming ground zero for turning that contention on its head, or at least trying, for patients who have the money. A controversial Alzheimer's treatment protocol developed by Dr. Dale Bredesen is gaining traction in Florida. Bredesen's approach, which involves lifestyle changes, supplements, and other therapies, is largely not covered by insurance and can be costly. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Florida Trend Exclusive
H-1B benefits
Dr. Noël Barengo, a professor in Florida International University's Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, knows of at least one international applicant who was recently turned away from a job at the university due to their visa status. The applicant was vying for a position within the FIU Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work. Born in Switzerland, Barengo himself came to the U.S. under an H-1B visa before receiving a green card, which was naturalized a year ago. [Source: Florida Trend]
TikTok is reinventing healthcare; should you trust it?
For decades, medical wisdom was dispensed exclusively within exam rooms and clinics. But social media has moved healthcare education from traditional offices into the palms of millions through mobile platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Roughly 41% of all major health and wellness influencers on social media are credentialed healthcare professionals (including doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and dermatologists), according to a new survey from the Pew Research Center. [Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel]
Florida reports sharp drop in children's Medicaid enrollment as KidCare court case nears
Florida is among the top 10 states to see declines in children's Medicaid enrollment, according to real-time data measured by Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. Since 2025, the Sunshine State has been listed as having the fourth largest decline, 5%, behind Indiana, Texas and California. [Source: WUSF]
Despite money from lawmakers, Florida says AIDS drugs program could need more cash
A report by the Florida Department of Health argues the state won’t be able to secure enough funds for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program if it continues to serve people at 400% of the poverty level. The AIDS Drug Assistance Program, funded by a combination of state money, federal grants and pharmaceutical rebates, has faced cuts and dropped participants since the state said the federal government reduced funds for the program and therefore had to lower the threshold for eligibility. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› South Florida’s heat makes cancer patients sicker and more isolated, study says
For cancer survivors, South Florida’s unforgiving heat and humidity can be an invisible threat that dictates how the day will go. A new University of Miami study, “When it comes to heat, I retreat,” published in the journal Environmental Research: Climate examines how 20 people with a history of cancer cope with chronic heat in Miami-Dade and Broward.
› Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System names Scott Kashman CEO
Scott Kashman was named CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System effective July 1. The healthcare organization said in a June 18 news release that Kashman, CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside since 2023, will oversee the operation of Ascension hospitals and medical clinics in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, according to a news release.
› Orlando Health Lakeland to bring more than 1,000 jobs to Polk County
A new hospital opening next month is looking to fill more than a thousand jobs as it prepares to serve one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions. Hundreds of people recently made their way to Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital, located at 4000 Lakeland Highlands Rd. in Lakeland, for its sixth hiring event since last year. Less than a week into training for her new job, Miracle Lanier remembers how she felt during the recruitment process.
› Former Florida hospital CEO accused of funneling $14M for ‘lavish lifestyle’
Palmetto General and other South Florida hospitals are caught in the crosshairs of a legal showdown between two health executives that began earlier this year and is getting messier. Michael “Mike” Sarian, the founder and former CEO of Healthcare Systems of America-Florida LLC, is facing another lawsuit related to alleged financial misconduct. This time, he’s accused of pocketing at least $14 million from the struggling hospitals in Florida and elsewhere to pay for his “lavish lifestyle.”