Jim Saunders, Health News Florida

Hot-Button Medicaid Bill

KFF Health News Original

In addition to shifting nearly all Medicaid patients to HMOs and other managed care, the Senate’s proposal would cap spending, require plans to bid for business and impose $100 fees on patients who abuse the emergency room.

Florida Official Sends Back $1M

KFF Health News Original

Even though Florida faces a big budget hole, Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty said Tuesday the state will forfeit a $1 million federal grant that was supposed to go toward better oversight of health insurance rates.

Florida GOP Targets Individual Mandate In Health Law – Again

KFF Health News Original

Florida Republican lawmakers are reviving a proposed constitutional amendment that takes aim at a major part of the federal health overhaul. The proposal, if ultimately approved by voters during the 2012 elections, is aimed at allowing Floridians to opt out of a federal requirement that they buy health insurance or face financial penalties.

Florida’s Health Exchange Doesn’t Fit New Law

KFF Health News Original

Florida Health Choices, a deregulated health-insurance market for small businesses, is two years old and still not selling any products. It would be well-positioned to develop into the exchange called for under the new federal law. But that would require political and philosophical compromises that its leaders may not be willing to make.