Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannMarch 10, 2016

A variety of healthcare-related bills made their way through the Legislature on the penultimate day of the 2016 Regular Session. LobbyTools reports that the House passed House Bill 1241, which allows advanced nurses and physician assistants to order medications for patients at health facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. Another amended bill (House Bill […]

Ryan RayMarch 8, 2016

When the Legislature’s final budget hit the desk Tuesday afternoon, it included a line item containing $10 million to fund free and charitable clinics for underserved and uninsured Floridians. About the same time, the Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics issued a statement expressing their gratitude, along with a heartfelt request: please, Gov. Rick Scott, allow us […]

Peter SchorschMarch 4, 2016

As the Legislature’s “big chairs” meet this weekend to try to take the 2016-17 state budget in for a landing, there are few issues more pressing and in the public eye than fixing Florida’s ailing Department of Corrections and prison system in general. The department has gained a reputation for cutting corners in a way that […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 8, 2016

A bill promising greater transparency for hospital pricing is moving through the state House. The House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee on Monday voted to approve a measure (HB 1175), sponsored by Rep. Chris Sprowls. Among other things, the proposal calls on facilities to post average payments and payment ranges for bundled health care services online. […]

Dominic CalabroFebruary 4, 2016

Florida TaxWatch has been a leader in making sure Florida residents have access to affordable health care options, saving millions of dollars and countless lives. Lawmakers are considering two TaxWatch recommendations to eliminate barriers to 21st century solutions to help Floridians enjoy longer, healthier lives. One change would reduce the limits on “telehealth” — the […]

Associated PressJanuary 19, 2016

Florida Gov. Rick Scott‘s Commission on Health Care and Hospital Funding released its long-awaited draft observations Tuesday, citing a lack of transparency and cost controls as major issues needing action. Commission chairman Carlos Beruff said, however, that the nine-member commission has more questions than answers after months of studying the health care industry. “We’ve had […]

Ryan RayJanuary 19, 2016

A House panel on financial issues got deep in the weeds of health care policy Tuesday as lawmakers took up a controversial proposal to change the way insurers are reimbursed by hospitals and other providers when patients receive care beyond their insurance network. The deceptively simple 11-page bill was the subject of over an hour […]

Ryan RayJanuary 14, 2016

It’s no secret Gov. Rick Scott, former health care CEO, has a newfound zeal for protecting Floridians from mayhem wrought by allegedly out-of-control hospitals and providers. Scott insists on more regulations, disclosure, and even criminal penalties for providers who charge “unconscionable” rates. He has even gone so as far to say a bill towards that end currently […]

Ryan RayJanuary 11, 2016

A pair of Republican lawmakers told reporters Monday they intend to ensure the days of unaccountable hospitals and insurers gouging Florida patients with staggering, unforeseen medical bills “are over.” Rep. Chris Sprowls Palm Harbor and Sen. Rob Bradley of Orange Park likened the consumer predictability they seek for consumers to that of patrons at a gas station or grocery […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 7, 2016

While absolutely owning it as the Beast on Halloween, I accurately predicted the fall of the last rose petal on the latest Rick Scott socialist scheme. That came today as Rep. Chris Sprowls, being a conservative, refused to spread the wealth with his health care transparency bill. Christine Jordan Sexton said Scott’s office gave this […]

Tag: health care
Golf ball and golf club in bag on green grass

Health care bills advance in Legislature

Free & charitable clinics: Thanks for the funding, please don’t veto it

Don’t cut corners on Dept. of Corrections health funding

House panel OKs health care transparency bill

Dominic M. Calabro: Allow professionals and technology to provide affordable health care for Floridians

Rick Scott’s Commission on Health Care issues observations

Balance billing measure moves ahead despite reservations

Amid debate, FHA unveils new health care info site

Rob Bradley, Chris Sprowls publicly float health care transparency bill

I predicted this sad socialist Rick Scott defeat months ago