CMS Fraud Probe Puts Florida in the Crosshairs
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz sent a March 17 letter to Governor DeSantis labeling Florida a “hot spot” for Medicare and Medicaid fraud, requesting detailed information on how the state detects and prevents billing abuse. The inquiry is part of a broader federal crackdown targeting multiple states. Florida physicians billing Medicare should ensure documentation and coding practices can withstand heightened scrutiny. [Source: Telehealth.org](https://telehealth.org/news/cms-targets-florida-in-expanding-medicare-medicaid-fraud-crackdown/)
Florida ACA Premiums Set to Spike 31.5% — 1.4 Million Could Lose Coverage
The weighted average rate increase approved for 2026 individual and family plans on Florida’s ACA marketplace is 31.5%, driven by healthcare labor costs, pharmacy inflation, and the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits. The Florida Policy Institute projects 1.4 million Floridians will lose marketplace coverage as a result. For Florida physicians, this means more uninsured patients presenting to EDs and clinics, higher uncompensated care burdens, and disrupted continuity for patients who cycle on and off coverage. [Source: ACA Signups](https://acasignups.net/rate_changes/2026/fl)
Measles Outbreak Pauses at 144 Cases Statewide
For the first time in months, Florida’s measles case count held steady at 144 for two consecutive reporting periods. No new cases have been reported in Collier County since March 28. The outbreak, centered on Ave Maria University, had been the state’s largest measles cluster in decades. Physicians should continue screening for measles in unvaccinated patients presenting with fever and rash, particularly in Southwest Florida. [Source: WUSF Health News Florida](https://wusf.org/health-news-florida)
Medicare Telehealth Waivers Extended Through December 2027
The Consolidated Appropriations Act (HR 7148) extends Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027, maintaining the suspension of geographic and originating-site restrictions. The in-person visit requirement for behavioral/mental health telehealth services is also waived through the same date. Florida physicians using telehealth for follow-ups, chronic disease management, or behavioral health now have a 20-month runway of regulatory certainty. [Source: CMS Telehealth FAQ](https://www.cms.gov/files/document/telehealth-faq-updated-02-26-2026.pdf)
FSU Completes Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Acquisition
Florida State University and the City of Tallahassee finalized the legal transfer of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare’s city-owned hospital assets to the university. The acquisition gives FSU direct control of a teaching hospital — a move that will expand residency slots and clinical training capacity in North Florida, where physician shortages are among the state’s worst. Separately, Polk County commissioners approved funding in the 2026-2027 budget toward demolishing and rebuilding Polk General Hospital, a project estimated at $100 million. [Source: South Florida Hospital News](https://southfloridahospitalnews.com/)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is CMS investigating Florida for Medicare fraud?
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz identified Florida as a “hot spot” for healthcare billing fraud in a March 2026 letter to state officials. The inquiry is part of a multi-state federal crackdown and requests details on Florida’s fraud detection and prevention mechanisms. Florida physicians should ensure billing documentation is thorough and accurate.
How will the Florida ACA premium increase affect physician practices?
The 31.5% average premium increase and projected loss of coverage for 1.4 million Floridians will likely increase uncompensated care, disrupt patient continuity, and shift patient volume toward emergency departments. Practices should prepare for more uninsured or underinsured patients and consider expanding financial counseling resources.
Are Medicare telehealth flexibilities permanent in Florida?
Not yet. The current extension runs through December 31, 2027. Geographic restrictions, originating-site requirements, and the behavioral health in-person visit mandate are all suspended until that date. Permanent telehealth legislation has been introduced in Congress but has not yet passed.
What does the FSU hospital acquisition mean for Florida physician training?
FSU’s acquisition of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare gives the university direct control of a teaching hospital, which will expand residency positions and clinical training capacity. This addresses physician workforce shortages in North Florida, where access to graduate medical education has been limited compared to South Florida.