Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Florida could be first state to deny life insurers access to genetic test results

Florida could be first state to deny life insurers access to genetic test results

Florida lawmakers advanced a proposal Thursday that would bar life insurers from using information from commercially available genetic tests to deny policies or set premiums based on markers that might be discovered through DNA home kits. The effort comes amid the booming popularity of heavily marketed genetic testing and the rising concerns from privacy groups and lawmakers. More from the AP, the Center Square, and WINK News.

See also:
» Opinion: Insurers should not be able to use your DNA against you

Column: Floridians are losing access to affordable health care

The health of Florida families is in jeopardy. More than 2.5 million Floridians are not covered by health insurance and prescription drug costs continue to rise. While Florida already has one of the highest uninsured rates in the country, the stage is set for the crisis to worsen. More than 3.5 million Floridians with preexisting conditions may lose access to affordable care, depending on the outcome of a court case challenging parts of the Affordable Care Act. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

Florida surgeon general faces questioning by senators 9 months after being appointed

After a confirmation hearing in which defensive Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees called allegations of sexual harassment and improper financial disclosures “mischaracterizations,” the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services recommended approval of Rivkees by an 8-2 vote. For the first time since he was nominated by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Rivkees finally appeared before senators to answer questions that have been percolating for nine months. [Source: Miami Herald]

Florida Healthcare Association & AARP: Florida needs to revamp long-term care as state ages

The Florida Healthcare Association and AARP are talking to anyone who will listen. Their message: pay attention to long-term care. Florida’s population is getting older and according to federal data, in 10 years, a third of Floridians will be over 60. That milestone comes as the state’s funding for programs like home care, nursing home funding and caregiver support lags behind. [Source: WUSF]

Stealth disease likely to blame for 20% of worldwide deaths

A medical condition that often escapes public notice may be involved in 20% of deaths worldwide, according to a new study. The disease is sepsis — sometimes called blood poisoning. It arises when the body overreacts to an infection. Blood vessels throughout the body become leaky, triggering multiple-organ failure. [Source: ]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida health researcher finds link between viral infection and diabetes
A University of Florida Health researcher was part of a study that found a link between a viral infection and diabetes in children. The study tested 8,000 children for the remains of a viral infection. They found a link between infections of a virus and the development of type one diabetes.

› Lawsuit: Florida health care discriminates against transgender state employees
Two transgender employees are suing the state of Florida, alleging sex discrimination in their health insurance coverage. According to the complaint, Jami Claire and Kathryn Lane are going without necessary treatment for gender dysphoria because state health care plans specifically exclude coverage for gender-affirming care.

› UF requires health insurance, but do students want that?
The United States doesn’t require its citizens to have health insurance. However, UF requires their students to have health insurance, and with the additional cost of housing, food, tuition and other necessities, an increasing number of students are drowning in debt.

› Florida House looks to clear way for specialty hospitals
Less than a year after lawmakers agreed to change how the state licenses hospitals, a House health-care panel on Wednesday approved a bill that would continue to alter the industry by scrapping a ban on specialty, or “boutique,” hospitals.