Veterans in Apopka and Orange County honored with ceremonies, big discounts, and year-round support

Log in
Health
Sort by: Featured Most recent
1863 results total, viewing 1 - 25
4.7 million Floridians use health insurance plans obtained from the ACA marketplace.
Why are 4.7 million Floridians insured through ACA marketplace plans, and what happens if they lose their subsidies?
Since the Affordable Care Act’s passage in 2010, the number of uninsured Americans has been cut nearly in half — but with federal subsidies now at the center of a prolonged government shutdown, millions could lose affordable coverage. In Florida, where 4.7 million residents rely on ACA marketplace plans, the stakes are especially high. more
| | 1 comment
Humans and nature can find balance in each other.
An Indigenous approach shows how changing the clocks for daylight saving time runs counter to human nature – and nature itself
As we turn our clocks back this weekend, an Indigenous perspective invites us to rethink daylight saving time itself. Rather than controlling time to maximize productivity, the change in seasons reminds us to slow down, rest, and reconnect with nature’s cycles. more
| | 1 comment
Orange County erases $49.2 million in medical debt for 49,000 residents
Orange County has eliminated another $49.2 million in medical debt, helping over 49,000 residents through its ongoing collaboration with Undue Medical Debt. Since the program’s inception, more than $515 million in medical debt has been cleared for 302,000 residents, with no action required from those affected. more
|
Open Enrollment: Know the facts about this year’s government changes
With government changes coming to the Health Insurance Marketplace, many Floridians could see their monthly costs and subsidy amounts shift in 2026. Florida Blue encourages residents to review their plans, understand what’s changing, and connect with licensed agents for free help during Open Enrollment. more
|
With a little help, your immune cells can be potent tumor killers.
COVID-19 mRNA vaccines could unlock the next revolution in cancer treatment – new research
COVID-19 mRNA vaccines may do more than prevent infection—they could help the immune system fight cancer. Patients receiving these vaccines alongside immunotherapy showed dramatically improved survival rates, even for tumors usually resistant to treatment. more
|
Florida's community health centers face difficult financial decisions as a federal shutdown freezes reimbursements for critical Medicare telehealth services.
Federal shutdown creates health care uncertainty for Florida families
The ongoing federal shutdown has suspended Medicare telehealth reimbursements, forcing Florida health centers to balance patient care with financial survival. Experts warn the disruption, combined with potential loss of premium tax credits, could cost community health centers hundreds of millions and leave thousands of patients without coverage. more
|
6 tips to find the right Medicare plan for you
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7, giving beneficiaries the chance to evaluate their current plan and explore new options. Experts recommend reviewing plan changes, comparing costs, and consulting a licensed agent to find coverage that best fits your needs. more
|
Enjoy Halloween without harming your smile
Halloween can still be sweet for kids with braces — as long as families make smart choices about candy and oral care. Orthodontist-friendly treats like plain chocolate or soft cookies are safer options than sticky or hard candies, helping kids enjoy the holiday without damaging braces or risking cavities. more
|
An advocate holds an SEIU sign protesting rising health care costs at a demonstration near the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025.
Florida Congressional members warn about Florida’s looming health care crisis
A trio of state lawmakers warned Tuesday that Florida stands to lose more than any other state if Congress lets enhanced premium tax credits expire at the end of the year. Without action, health insurance costs could skyrocket for millions of Floridians, with state officials facing criticism for staying silent on the looming increases. more
|
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and local Area Agency on Aging to help Florida's seniors.
Advocates: Florida seniors may miss out on overlooked dual-plan benefits
Medicare’s annual enrollment period opens this week, and health care advocates are urging Floridians who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid to explore Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans, which can offer extra benefits but may limit provider networks. Experts emphasize comparing options carefully before enrolling, as some plans may require prior authorization or restrict access to certain care providers. more
|
The flu vaccine is updated every year to include the strains known to be circulating.
Flu season has arrived – and so have updated flu vaccines
As flu season arrives, annual vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others from severe illness. Along with vaccines, simple habits like handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when sick can help reduce the spread of influenza in our communities. The flu vaccine is updated every year to include the strains known to be circulating. Cecilie_Arcurs/E+ via … more
|
Xerius Jackson, age 7, gets an MMR vaccine during the Texas measles outbreak in March 2025.
Even small drops in vaccination rates for US children can lead to disease outbreaks
A national investigation found that more than 75% of U.S. counties have seen declines in childhood vaccination rates since 2019, putting communities below the threshold needed to prevent measles outbreaks. Pediatrician Dr. David Higgins warns that vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and falling immunization levels could lead to the return of preventable diseases in schools and neighborhoods. more
|
Research indicates one in five children ages three to 17 is diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition. For anxious kids and teens, experts urge parents to validate feelings, encourage practice, praise "brave steps," and model healthy coping.
New program equips Florida family doctors for youth mental health crisis
A new statewide initiative called Building Bridges of Understanding is helping Florida’s family doctors address youth mental health by equipping them to diagnose and treat anxiety and depression directly in their offices. The program, developed by Boston Children’s Hospital and supported by Rotary Adolescent Wellness, is already showing results by shortening wait times and improving outcomes in areas without child psychiatrists. more
|
Orange County strengthens community through mental health and homelessness programs
Orange County is strengthening its response to mental health and homelessness by funding and coordinating programs that connect residents to crucial support services. Through its Mental Health and Homelessness Division, the County is investing in long-term stability, saving taxpayer dollars, and fostering a healthier, more resilient community. more
|
SHINE program offers free Medicare counseling during open enrollment
The Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) program is offering free, unbiased counseling to help Medicare beneficiaries, families, and caregivers review coverage and make informed choices during the Oct. 15–Dec. 7 Open Enrollment Period. Seniors can schedule appointments, attend enrollment events, or call 1-800-96-ELDER to connect with a SHINE counselor. more
|
Push to expand Medicaid in Florida delayed by two years
Florida Decides Healthcare announced Thursday it will delay its Medicaid expansion initiative from the 2026 ballot to 2028, after new state laws made signature-gathering and campaign efforts significantly more difficult. Despite the setback, the group plans to expand its coalition, raise resources, and continue challenging HB 1205 in court. more
|
About 80% of parents currently choose to follow CDC guidelines to vaccinate their babies for hepatitis B at birth.
The Hepatitis B shot for newborns has nearly eliminated childhood infections with this virus in the US
Hepatitis B vaccination at birth has nearly eliminated early childhood infections in the U.S., but proposed changes to CDC guidance could delay protection for newborns. Experts warn that even a one-month delay increases the risk of chronic infection and long-term liver disease. more
|
Apopka to receive funds from Purdue Pharma opioid settlement plan
Apopka will join thousands of municipalities nationwide in Purdue Pharma’s $8 billion bankruptcy settlement, which aims to address the opioid epidemic fueled by OxyContin. The city’s potential payout, estimated in the six- to seven-figure range, depends on court approval and the number of entities that participate in the plan. more
|
‘Gas station morphine’: Florida to issue emergency labeling rule for kratom compound 7-OH
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson has issued an emergency rule requiring retailers to disclose the concentration of the opioid-like compound 7-OH in kratom products. The move follows Attorney General James Uthmeier’s decision to classify 7-OH as a Schedule 1 drug, intensifying Florida’s crackdown on the controversial herbal substance. more
|
The Florida Department of Children and Families is the state agency responsible for administering the Medicaid program, including the recent process to redetermine eligibility for millions of enrollees, including children.
Florida’s child uninsured rate surges as KidCare expansion stalls
Florida’s child uninsured rate climbed from 7.4% to 8.5% between 2022 and 2024, pushing the state to 46th in the nation. Advocates say most of the 67,000 newly uninsured kids remain eligible for Medicaid or KidCare but are being left out due to procedural errors and stalled policy implementation. more
|
The West Orange Trailhead in Apopka.
Bike Trail Takeover brings community ride and celebration to Apopka
Orange County’s Bike Trail Takeover will roll into Apopka on Saturday, Sept. 20. From 9 a.m. to noon, the West Orange Trailhead will host group rides, bike safety checks, vendors, and family activities. The event, led by Commissioner Christine Moore, will also feature giveaways, including 40 bikes and an e-scooter, to encourage healthy living and active communities. more
|
Curaleaf opens new medical cannabis dispensary in Apopka
Curaleaf has opened a new medical marijuana dispensary at 1809 E. Semoran Blvd. in Apopka. The dispensary offers patients a wide range of cannabis products, including flower, vapes, and edibles. The grand opening celebration with the Apopka Chamber of Commerce is set for September 19, and it will feature promotions, giveaways, and a livestream with the company’s cultivation team. more
|
New Florida legislation means that Affordable Care Act premiums will rise sharply in Florida next year.
Up, up, and away: 2026 health insurance premiums set to double for millions of Floridians
Florida health insurance premiums are set to rise sharply in 2026, with double-digit increases hitting more than 4 million residents who rely on ACA marketplace plans or small employer coverage. more
|
This well was contaminated with high levels of PFAS from firefighting foam used at a small airport nearby.
You can be exposed to PFAS through food, water, even swimming in lakes – new maps show how risk from ‘forever chemicals’ varies
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” have contaminated food, water, and recreational areas across the U.S., with studies linking them to serious health risks. A new interactive dashboard highlights exposure pathways that are helping residents understand and reduce their risks. more
|
The Florida Department of Health has initiated rulemaking for the DeSantis administration's proposal to eliminate vaccine mandates.
New immunization rules announced for Florida; still no details
The Florida Chapter of the American College of Physicians and the Florida Academy of Family Physicians are urging state health officials to hold a public meeting on proposed rule changes that could eliminate school and childcare vaccination requirements. more
|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 … 75 | Next »

© Copyright 2025 The Apopka Voice Terms of Use
Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions