Florida Trend
Jan 2, 2024
Florida was at the center of ongoing debates and controversies dealing with health care in 2023, ranging from abortion restrictions to transgender health care to COVID-19. Health care promises to be a hot topic in 2024 as well, kicking off with a Regular Session in January where Senate President Kathleen Passidomo’s “Live Healthy” overhaul — and, along with it, hundreds of millions in spending — will be a key focus.
The top Florida health care stories of 2023
Florida was at the center of ongoing debates and controversies dealing with health care in 2023, ranging from abortion restrictions to transgender health care to COVID-19. Health care promises to be a hot topic in 2024 as well, kicking off with a Regular Session in January where Senate President Kathleen Passidomo’s “Live Healthy” overhaul — and, along with it, hundreds of millions in spending — will be a key focus. [Source: Florida Politics]
Here are some health care-related legal issues to watch in Florida next year
Some of the health-related cases that will go before the state Supreme Court involve ballot referendums, with issues including abortion and marijuana. State and federal courts in 2024 are expected to buzz with major Florida cases involving health care. Here are five issues to watch in the new year [Source: News Service of Florida]
Opinion: Florida must balance drug costs with patients’ needs
The high cost of prescription drugs is a concern that resonates from the bustling streets of Miami to the quieter avenues of Sarasota. If consumer prices had increased at the same rate as drug prices over the last 15 years, gas would now cost $12.20 a gallon, and milk would be priced at $13 a gallon. However, if the major drug companies get their way, this dire affordability crisis is poised to get worse. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
After the 15-week ban became law, Florida's abortion clinics became busier
Florida's ban on most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy hasn't decreased the number of procedures as people from surrounding states with more stronger restrictions head here for their procedures. “We are seeing a lot of in-state and out-of-state individuals who are having to travel farther to receive care,” said Miranda Colavito, with Planned Parenthood communications. Colavito has been doing advocacy work for women’s rights for five years. [Source: WUSF]
Florida sees surges in COVID-19, respiratory illnesses through the winter
A report released Friday shows the number of COVID-19 cases in Floridadoubled from the previous month, spurred by a new highly contagious variant. The new variant is called JN.1. It's an omicron offshoot that makes up about 44% of COVID cases across the country, according to the report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC notes that existing COVID vaccines, tests and treatments work well against JN.1. More from Health News Florida and Fox 13 News]
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