Florida Insurance Council - Covering Florida Since 1962
By: Sam Miller, FIC Consultant The Legislature is nearing final passage of a measure expediting the expansion and updating of Florida’s newborn screening standards as federal standards change. Expanded and updated screening is vital “so we can intervene earlier in the lives of newborns and improve their quality of health,” said Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen, R-Fort…
By: Katrina Callaway, FIC General Counsel Starting on January 1, 2018, SB 102 prohibits health insurers and HMOs from retroactively denying a claim, if at any time, the insurer or HMO verified the eligibility of an insured or subscriber at the time of treatment and provided an authorization number. The bill is opposed by the…
By: Katrina Callaway, FIC General Counsel HB 577, a bill designed to update regulation of discount medical plan organizations (DMPOs) passed the House on April 20, 2017 and was heard by the Senate on April 26, 2017 when it substituted its bill for the House bill. The Senate is expected to vote on HB 577…
By: Katrina Callaway, FIC General Counsel The full Senate heard the medication synchronization bill on April 26, 2017 when the bill was discussed for the first time. No one asked any questions about the bill when it was heard. The Senate could pass the bill on April 27, 2017. The House companion, HB 1191, is…
By: Katrina Callaway, FIC General Counsel The Senate is expected to pass the frozen formulary bill, SB 182, on April 27, 2017. They heard it on the floor on April 26, 2017 and there were no questions about the bill. The bill is opposed to by the FIC Health Committee. The House companion bill, HB…
By: Katrina Callaway, FIC General Counsel Starting on January 1, 2018, SB 102 prohibits health insurers and HMOs from retroactively denying a claim, if at any time, the insurer or HMO verified the eligibility of an insured or subscriber at the time of treatment and provided an authorization number. The bill is opposed by the…
By: Katrina Callaway, FIC General Counsel On April 25, 2017, the Senate medical marijuana bill, SB 406, passed its last committee. Although it was amended in committee, none of the amendments dealt with insurance. In fact, there is nothing about insurance coverage for medical marijuana in the bill. The House bill also does not address…
By: Katrina Callaway, FIC General Counsel On April 25, 2017, the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved the direct primary care bill, SB 240 with one amendment related to Medicaid managed care as described below. The bill will be heard on the Senate floor when set by the Rules Committee. The House has already passed their…
By: Greenberg Traurig, FIC Lobbyist Telehealth Advisory Council – Orlando, FL Friday, April 21, 201712:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Meeting Material:Agenda Meeting Materials Transforming Health Care American Telemedicine Association Telehealth: School-Based Programs Panel Discussion: Nassau County Health Department – Dr. Eugenia SeidelDr. Seidel discussed efforts of the Nassau County Health Department (“NCHD”) to increase oral…
By: Katrina Callaway, FIC General Counsel A bill related to the Florida Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association (FLAHIGA or Association) passed its last Senate committee on April 25, 2017. The bill will be heard on the Senate floor when set by the Rules Committee. As originally filed, the bill: Starting July 1, 2017,…