Next week, around two dozen leaders from the Big Bend area will gather in Tallahassee. They’ll discuss important issues and opportunities within Florida’s healthcare system. This meeting is part of Democratic Rep. Gallop Franklin’s “State of Health” roundtable series. Rep. Allison Tant will also attend.
Executives from hospitals, insurance companies, and academic institutions will join the conversation. They will explore how to improve healthcare access in Florida, identifying gaps and discussing solutions. Franklin, who is also a pharmacist, recently sponsored a bill to help home healthcare providers and expand Medicaid reimbursements for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants.
Key discussion points will include:
- The effectiveness of Florida’s healthcare services for patients at all treatment stages.
- Successes and ongoing challenges within state healthcare delivery.
- The vital role of community health clinics in serving underserved populations.
- The current landscape of medical research in Florida and its potential.
- Impacts of federal funding changes, including proposed Medicaid reforms.
In the first roundtable session, Franklin noted a projected budget shortfall of $6.9 billion for Florida by 2027, intensifying the need to tackle these issues.
Florida is also grappling with a significant nursing shortage. Recently, healthcare leaders have been working to address this problem, as demand for services continues to rise.
The conversation will likely touch on the struggles of rural healthcare, especially in regions like Big Bend. Cuts to Medicaid could severely impact these communities. According to the American Hospital Association, such cuts could threaten access to essential services.
Currently, hospitals in Florida are reimbursed less than 60 cents for every dollar spent on Medicaid patient care. This reimbursement makes up less than 4% of the state’s overall budget, putting additional pressure on healthcare providers.
This important roundtable will take place at the Apalachee Center, running from 1-2:30 p.m. on Monday, October 2.
For more insights and updates, you can follow healthcare discussions at the Florida Hospital Association.
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