‘More change than usual:’ Big revisions in drug plans and healthcare benefits ahead for Florida Medicare recipients
Big Medicare changes will go into effect in 2025, giving Floridians more reason to sift through plans and make smart choices. The 5.1 million Floridians who qualify for Medicare will have from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 to choose original Medicare or one of the Medicare Advantage plans offered in their county. Changes to Medicare in 2025 will include a $2,000 limit on out-of-pocket Part D drug costs, an opt-in payment plan for expensive medications, and some potential broad changes in Medicare Advantage plans that could eliminate your current plan or slim your benefits. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Amendment 4 at a glance: Breaking down Florida's ballot measure on abortion
Hundreds of thousands of people have already voted in Florida’s upcoming general election by mail. One of the constitutional initiatives on the ballot has to do with abortion. The amendment is 49 words long and is stirring a lot of disagreement on what it would do. [Source: WUSF]
Health advocates urge Florida to apply for Medicaid relief amid hurricane recovery
Hurricanes Milton and Helene have caused a lot of disruptions in Florida. Thousands of residents continue to struggle with housing, employment and medical needs, which is why a coalition of health and labor advocates want state leaders to make it easier to access Medicaid coverage. [Source: Health News Florida]
Some foods are medicine, some poison. Know which is which to improve your health
Is what you are eating giving you cancer? Is it worsening symptoms of depression? Researchers at Florida universities are working to understand how diet and disease are intertwined. “Our food is making us sick,” Dr. J. Scott Angle, a University of Florida agriculture expert, told the audience at a Food is Medicine Symposium at Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday. “The U.S. is spending a lot of money trying to cure disease caused by poor food quality.” [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinell]
Law could bring new players to C-section business
Florida has a maternity care problem. But a new law could pave the way for businesses to offer a solution. This year, Florida passed a law that will allow doctors to perform cesarean sections outside of hospitals in so-called “advanced birth centers,” the first state to permit the practice. [Source: South Florida Business Journal]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Clearwater insurtech firm acquired by GoHealth to expand Medicare services Email Share Share Tweet
Chicago-based GoHealth, a health insurance marketplace and Medicare-focused digital health company, has acquired Clearwater-based insurance company e-TeleQuote Insurance as part of its growth strategy. After e-TeleQuote's previous owner relinquished its 81.1% ownership interest, GoHealth became the sole owner of e-TeleQuote, including all its assets.
› Broward hospital systems report no issues with IV fluid shortage
Disruptions to the supply of clinical IV fluids in southwest and southeast Florida are among major impacts from hurricanes Helene and Milton. Hurricane Helene caused flooding at a Baxter facility in North Carolina, one of the country’s largest manufacturers of intravenous fluids.
› Florida Coast Medical Center, new Port St. Lucie hospital, less than one year from opening
In less than one year, there will be a new hospital opening here, if all goes to plan. Florida Coast Medical Center, owned by Tenet Health and affiliated with the Palm Beach Health Network, would be the fourth hospital in St. Lucie County, and third in Port St. Lucie.
› SWFL health center pays $15.5 million for new Fort Myers HQ
Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida has bought two adjacent buildings in Fort Myers to use for its new headquarters. The properties, which the local health care organization paid $15.5 million for, are at 2234 and 2270 Colonial Blvd. They total 81,941 square feet.