Medicaid

A new CDC report shows Florida mothers are increasingly starting prenatal care late or not at all, mirroring national trends, with rural access and Medicaid delays worsening outcomes.

Two national organizations are joining the effort by Florida Decides Healthcare to expand Medicaid to low-income childless adults in Florida.

A new Florida law making it harder to get citizen-led amendments on the ballot faces a federal court challenge. The trial began Monday. Here’s what’s at stake.

Prenatal care can make a huge difference to the long-term health of both the parent and baby. Every state offers health coverage to lower-income pregnant women who might otherwise go uninsured.

In a class-action lawsuit, the judge barred the state from terminating benefits of people for financial-eligibility reasons unless it provides "adequate notice."

The data had been used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to assess the quality of care provided to children in publicly funded insurance programs.

Lawmakers approved an expansion of KidCare meant to help thousands of children with complex medical needs. But an ongoing lawsuit with federal regulators has kept the new eligibility rules on hold. Families say the delay is costing kids critical therapies and care.

Supporters say these midlevel providers – like physician's assistants – could help extend services to underserved communities, while opponents question training standards and oversight.

In Central Florida, licensed therapists use everyday instruments to treat a wide range of patients.

The 138-page bill would provide $25 million for a new program aimed at helping physicians, physician assistants and APRNs set up practices in rural communities.

Amid concerns over fairness and access, all 50 states submitted applications with their priorities and potential innovations that CMS hopes will “right-size the health care system.”

On "Florida Matters: Live & Local," Mayhew discussed the plight of DeSoto Memorial, the challenges and benefits remote hospitals present and how mergers with larger systems can be a lifeline.