After shunning Medicaid expansion, Florida Republicans see the political power of tackling health care

With polls showing health care access and cost among the top issues for voters, House Speaker Jose Oliva is among a chorus of Florida Republicans getting behind President Donald Trump’s promise last spring to make the GOP “the party of health care.” Backed by a scorched earth attack on Big Pharma and the “health care industrial complex,” Oliva is promoting wide-ranging changes to the state’s medical landscape. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

FDA approves first treatment for kids with peanut allergy

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first treatment for children with peanut allergies. Allergy experts say Aimmune Therapeutics' Palforzia promises to lower the chances that an accidental bite of peanuts causes a severe reaction, but it's not a cure. [Source: Health News Florida]

Whistleblowing surgeon claims hospital system forced him to use in-network radiologists

A Florida orthopedic surgeon is suing Orlando Health and its imaging center, claiming the hospital system fired him for failing to use its own in-network radiologists. Ayman Daouk, MD, also alleges that the eight-hospital chain repeatedly reprimanded him for performing surgery outside of the system. He said these actions violate both the Stark Law and federal anti-kickback statutes and wants the hospital system punished for its business practices, according to the complaint, filed last month in U.S. District Court. More from Radiology Business.

Florida House bill takes aim at 'exorbitant' air ambulance costs

A bill making its way through the Florida Legislature right now could impact how much families have to pay air ambulance companies in the event of a medical emergency. State Rep. Jayer Williamson, R-Pace, filed the bill in November after hearing constituent concerns about “extreme and exorbitant” costs of air ambulance services. The bill, which has a companion bill in the Senate, would require insurance companies to pay “reasonable reimbursement” to air ambulance companies so the individual or family who received the life-saving service isn’t on the hook for a bill that could reach tens of thousands of dollars. [Source: Pensacola News Journal]

House wants information on managed care mergers

House leaders want health officials to assess the impact that mergers of managed-care companies have on choice and diversity of plans in Florida’s Medicaid system. The House included a provision in its proposed 2020-2021 budget that would require the Agency for Health Care Administration, which administers the Medicaid program, to assess the impact of any merger, sale, acquisition or consolidation that results in a plan having, or having control of, more than 30 percent of the Medicaid managed-care enrollment statewide or in any region. [Source: Health News Florida]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Scott Center for Autism’s telehealth program helps those with autism get the treatment they need [Space Coast Living]
Aan estimated 1 in 59 children in the U.S. are affected by autism; the number of therapists required to treat all people with autism is about 50% of what’s needed.

› Florida on path to require anyone under 18 to obtain parent’s permission for abortion [Health News Florida]
Florida’s Legislature is close to approving a bill requiring girls under 18 to obtain permission for an abortion from a parent. Passage would be a political win for Gov. Ron DeSantis, who had pushed for the measure..

› Humana and Welsh Carson to spend $600M on Medicare clinics [Forbes]
Health insurer Humana and private equity giant Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe are launching a joint venture to develop primary care centers to treat seniors insured by Medicare Advantage plans.

› Jabil Launches Jabil Healthcare, the Largest Healthcare Manufacturing Solutions Provider [Jabil]
Jabil combines Nypro with its Orthopedics, Spine, Trauma, and associated medical instruments businesses to deliver unmatched depth and breadth of advanced manufacturing solutions and innovative technical capabilities.

› LGBTQ activists rally in Pensacola against Florida 'anti-transgender youth' bills [WEAR]
Tensions are rising in Florida over House Bill 1365. If passed, the bill makes it a felony for doctors to help aid a transgender youth's transition.