Topic: Medicaid

The eight-member delegation is worried a new funding formula for hospitals will lead to steep cuts in two Jacksonville-area hospitals.

Proponents of the bill say it will lay the groundwork for the future of medicine. Opponents say quality control is a concern.

SB 1354 would expand a formula used by State Managed Medical Assistance contracts.

Republican leaders in the Legislature say they intend to address a physician shortage in the state and Democrats say they will continue a push to expand Medicaid; citing the opportunity to use federal money to provide coverage to the uninsured and to boost the economy.

Lawmakers appear to be embracing digital technology and real-time video and audio to relieve a physician shortage in the state. Tuesday, the Senate Health Policy Committee will continue work on an all-encompassing proposal to establish a regulatory structure allowing health care providers to use technology to provide services in rural and isolated locations.

The Department of Health estimates Florida needs an additional 2,700 practicing physicians to reach the national average of doctors per 1,000 residents. One possible solution is granting more authority to advance practice nurses; freeing them from mandatory supervision by a doctor and giving them more flexibility to prescribe medicine and order tests. ... Related Research: Jan. 10, 2014 House Select Committee on Health Care Workforce Innovation meeting materials and video.

The first of two straight committee weeks begin this week. Lawmakers will consider issues such as school assessment programs, stand your ground, the DEO's CONNECT system, flood insurance, child welfare and medical marjuana. December 2013 campaign finance reports also are due. ... Related Research: Stay up-to-date on all legislative events with the LobbyTools Agenda Calendar.

Fighting back against the tide of criticism, the Obama administration touted the successes of the health care program in a statewide conference call on Friday that included a top White House aide and Democratic State Rep. Lori Berman.

The statewide Viva 500 time capsule was sealed and buried on New Year's Eve. Inside are photos, music and legal documents that will provide insight into Florida circa 2013 when the capsule is opened in 81 years. ... Related Research: Items Contained in the Viva Florida 500 Statewide Time Capsule 2013-2095.

Senate President Don Gaetz and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius exchanged letters during the summer about Medicaid expansion options. Although leading Florida Republicans say Washington is inflexible to find a Florida solution, Sebelius says HHS "is available to discuss this by phone or in person." ... Related Research: Letters to Senate President Don Gaetz, HHS Secretary Sebelius, and U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

South Florida man rides bike from Sunny Isles Beach to Tallahassee as part of a fight against autism. Therapy for his daughter has nearly bankrupt Jorge Zighelboim, so now he's looking for help from lawmakers. ... Related Research: change.org Petition to the Florida Senate: Reform Florida's Autism Insurance Mandate.

Gov. Scott says the president is "kicking the can" by allowing insurers to restore cancelled policies. A leading Democrat charges that Scott is "kicking the middle class in the gut" with his renewed opposition to the ACA.

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities agreed to a proposed settlement, its director says, to avoid paying large legal bills. A hearing has been scheduled in federal court for Nov. 27. Individuals have until the 22nd to submit comments to the court.

In a White House-organized conference call, the incoming leader of Florida House Democrats said in the next six months the state's Republican leaders could build a legacy which includes providing healthcare to the working poor. When told of the comment, Gov. Scott criticize the roll out of the ACA.