Florida is the top state where small businesses get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act
A couple million small business owners are taking advantage of health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act as health care costs pummel entrepreneurs. In 2022, the state with the most entrepreneurs enrolled in an ACA plan was none other than Florida, with 618,590 people covered. Next was California, with 450,010 people covered, followed by Texas, with 423,790, then Georgia, with 168,070, and North Carolina, with 134,620. [Source: Inc.]
Florida's health care board sued over Medicaid managed-care plan oversight
Attorneys for people with disabilities have filed a federal lawsuit alleging the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration has not provided adequate oversight of Medicaid managed-care plans that care for people in their homes. The 79-page lawsuit, filed last week in Tallahassee, centers on part of Florida’s Medicaid system that contracts with managed-care plans to provide what are known as home- and community-based services for people who need long-term care. [Source: News Service of Florida]
These Florida maternity homes offer sanctuary, but it can feel oppressive
In many parts of Florida, where housing costs are soaring and lawmakers have sharply curtailed abortion access, pregnant women and teens who need a safe, stable place to live are increasingly turning to one of their few options: charity-run maternity homes. [Source: Miami Herald]
Florida Blue and Baptist Health beat deadline by reaching agreement on new contract
Florida Blue and Baptist Health announced early Tuesday they have reached a multiyear agreement that will keep Baptist Health patients covered by Florida Blue's insurance network. "We are pleased that our new agreement will limit disruption and bring peace of mind to many individuals and families in the Jacksonville community," the joint statement said. "We look forward to fulfilling our shared commitment to deliver high-quality, affordable health care as we have done together for more than half a century." [Source: Florida Times-Union]
Abortion amendment supporters, opponents wrangle in courtroom over Florida health agency role in campaign
Supporters of a proposal to enshrine abortion rights in the state Constitution squared off Wednesday against Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration before a Leon County circuit judge in a lawsuit accusing the state of illegally using public resources to spread “misinformation” about the ballot measure. [Source: News Service of Florida]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Mayo Clinic in Florida receives $22 million grant
Mayo Clinic in Florida announced Sept. 24 it received a $22 million grant to further research into a possible treatment for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The grant is from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and provides funds for a six-month study of an experimental drug to monitor amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
› Central Florida Health Care is holding the first fundraiser of its 50 years in October
Winter Haven-based Central Florida Health Care will hold its first fundraiser during October in Lake Alfred. “A Classy & Comfy Gala” fundraiser will be sponsored by Citizen’s Bank and Trust, and it is set for Oct. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Adams Estate in Lake Alfred. Central Florida Health Care is not a free clinic, but it will help anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, which is an essential resource for many families without insurance.
› Memorial Healthcare welcomes competitor Broward Health’s CEO as its leader. What comes next?
Memorial Healthcare System, a publicly funded network of hospitals, outpatient clinics, and urgent care centers in southern Broward County, sits at a crossroads and in a position no one would have imagined. Its strategic vision for the future will be set, at least in part, by the CEO of Broward Health, a competing public hospital system with a recent history of financial instability and leadership turnover.
› University of West Florida and Ascension Sacred Heart presents new simulation nursing lab
In a new collaboration between the University of West Florida and Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital, nursing students get hands on experience with patients. The patients are state-of-the-art mannequins that can go through just about any medical scenario. The simulation lab at Ascension Sacred Heart is home to University of West Florida nursing students.