Medicaid

The county program uses a half-cent sales tax to pay for health care for thousands of residents earning up to 175% of the federal poverty level. But enrollment isn't as high as it could be.

The Agency for Health Care Administration oversees a Medicaid program that had grown to more than 5.53 million beneficiaries, as well as hospitals, nursing homes and most other health care facilities in Florida.

A court decision last year makes it easier for low-income residents in Florida and other states that haven’t expanded Medicaid to make good-faith estimates of a pay increase, and there is no financial penalty if they don’t hit that figure.

The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration rule prevents reimbursements to medical providers for such treatments as puberty blockers, hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery.

Medicaid beneficiaries receiving gender-affirming care are now responsible for paying the costs. The four plantiffs, including two children, say the treatments are “medically necessary, safe and effective.”

Attorneys for the state filed documents in federal court in Jacksonville disputing that two named plaintiffs had legal standing to pursue the case and arguing that it should not be considered as a class action.

Three women explain how life’s surprises can catapult their efforts to carefully manage limited budgets and lead to financial distress.

Medicare and Medicaid pay “look-alike” health centers significantly more than hospitals for treating patients, and converting or creating clinics can help hospitals reduce their expenses.

One plaintiff said the state's Medicaid program pre-approved him in August for a chest surgery scheduled for later this year. Then the state enacted a new rule excluding such treatments from the plan.

Many patients enroll in government-funded Medicaid health insurance when they become pregnant, because qualifying income levels are higher than for those who aren’t pregnant.

Elopements, while relatively rare, can be extremely dangerous, especially for people living with dementia. However, every instance raises concern about accountability, awareness, training and lack of "person-centered care."

The court refused to reconsider an April ruling by a three-judge panel that cleared the way for the lawsuit against the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association