Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

Ending “balance billing,” overhauling the state’s insurance laws, and preserving a practice called “prior authorization” are among the goals of the Florida Association of Health Plans for this legislative session. The organization, which represents every health insurer in the state other than Florida Blue, released its priority list on Monday. “FAHP consistently supports legislative proposals that […]

Peter SchorschOctober 29, 2015

House Bill 221 is not only a sorry excuse for addressing the issue of balance billing, it’s also exactly what voters find so frustrating about politicians who campaign saying one thing while doing the exact opposite once they’re safely behind locked Capitol doors. The latest example comes from Rep. Carlos Trujillo. As a candidate, Rep. Trujillo […]

Guest AuthorOctober 26, 2015

Far too often medical bills overwhelm families when they’re hit with surprise bills as a result of unexpected emergencies, even families that have purchased health insurance. The practice of balance billing for emergency services has been detrimental to many, but relief could be on the way thanks to state Rep. Carlos Trujillo. The Miami Republican […]

Christine Jordan SextonJune 16, 2015

More than $300 million in additional revenue was plowed into the budget late Monday night but, apparently, leaders did not agree to spending any more money on Medicaid. That’s a disappointment to the managed care plans participating in Florida’s mandatory Medicaid managed care program. They were hoping for an increase of $57 million in “grants […]

Christine Jordan SextonJune 15, 2015

Health plans that have been participating in the mandatory Medicaid managed-care program unfurled in Florida a little more than one year ago will be getting some pay increases in the coming months. A draft copy of the new rates shows that for the non-elderly population plans will, on average, have a 6.4 percent increase in rates […]

Christine Jordan SextonMay 27, 2015

Amid an ongoing dust-up over Florida’s health care spending, there are troubling signs that one of the reforms touted by Gov. Rick Scott may not be saving taxpayers money as initially promised. Scott signed into law in 2011 a measure that shifted Florida’s 3 million plus Medicaid patients into managed care. Scott praised the move […]

Christine Jordan SextonMay 5, 2015

There are more questions than answers in Tallahassee regarding health care financing, Medicaid and the inevitable Special Session this summer. One thing is for sure, though: There’s plenty of interest in serving on the health care commission that Gov. Rick Scott created through an executive order on Tuesday. It’s tasked with analyzing the state’s health […]

Christine Jordan SextonApril 9, 2015

Health insurers and HMOs may have won the battle in a House health care committee on Thursday but they may end up losing the war this session. The House Health and Human Services Committee approved a bill that would ban non-participating providers from balance billing patients in need of emergency care under, CS/HB 681. Additionally, […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 4, 2015

The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee gave the green light Wednesday to the Florida Medical Association’s top priority: a bill that precludes insurance companies and HMOs from limiting direct access to medications without prior approval from a government-housed clinical committee. It’s being called the “Right Medicine, Right Time Act” and it most likely will be […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 4, 2015

The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee gave the green light Wednesday to the Florida Medical Association’s top priority: a bill that precludes insurance companies and HMOs from limiting direct access to medications without prior approval from a government-housed clinical committee. It’s being called the “Right Medicine, Right Time Act” and it most likely will be […]

Tag: Florida Association of Health Plans

Health-plan group releases priorities for 2016 Legislative Session

Obamacare for Florida (HB 221) demonstrates why voters are angry

Audrey Brown: Support bill to end unfair balance billing

Lots added to budget but not more money for Medicaid HMOs

Medicaid managed care plans getting rate increases

Another health care budget headache for Florida?

Rick Scott’s healthcare commission is the hot ticket in town

House panel OKs balance billing ban, sponsor says unlikely to pass this year

Senate insurance panel OKs FMA’s “Right Medicine, Right Time Act”

Senate insurance panel OKs FMA's "Right Medicine, Right Time Act"