The Florida Hospital Association, the state’s leading voice for hospitals and health systems, provided the following update today on COVID-19 in the state. Statewide data is derived from the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

HHS Statewide COVID-19 Update:

Current Confirmed COVID-19 Hospitalizations: 16,820

7-Day Change in COVID-19 Hospitalizations: -0.1% | New Data 

Total New COVID-19 Cases: 21,208

Inpatient Bed Availability (all patients): 14.1%

Inpatient ICU Bed Availability (adults): 6.3%

Percent of Inpatients with Confirmed COVID-19 (all patients): 36.2%

Source: COVID-19 Reported Patient Impact and Hospital Capacity by State

FHA Hospital Update:

The following information is being released by the Florida Hospital Association from a survey of hospitals completed Monday, August 23, 2021. This survey reflects responses from hospitals representing 85% of Florida’s acute care hospital beds.

  • COVID-19 patients in ICU: 22.5% (steady from 8/19)
  • COVID-19 patients on ventilators: 17.1% (1.1% increase from 8/19)
  • COVID-19 patients transferred from nursing homes/long-term care: 2.6% (steady from 8/19)
  • Hospitals expecting critical staffing shortage in next 7 days: 76.8% (steady from 8/19)
  • Hospitals expanding into non-care areas in next 7 days: 28.4% (2.5% decrease from 8/19)

“Even though COVID-19 hospitalizations have remained flat for roughly a week, they remain near record levels,” said Mary C. Mayhew, President and CEO, Florida Hospital Association. “We are not out of the woods just yet as our health care heroes continue to provide care to the patients in their extremely full hospitals and emergency departments.”  

The Florida Hospital Association will continue communicating with all Florida hospitals and state officials and provide additional updates as events warrant.

About the Florida Hospital Association Founded in 1927, the Florida Hospital Association is the leading voice for health care in the State of Florida. Through representation and advocacy, education and informational services, the Florida Hospital Association supports the mission of more than 200 hospitals and health care systems to provide the highest quality of care to the patients we serve. Led by President and CEO Mary Mayhew, the Florida Hospital Association has offices in Tallahassee and Orlando and is governed by a Board of Trustees and officers elected by the member institutions. For more information, visit www.fha.org. 



 August 24, 2021 – Golisano Children’s Hospital’s Mobile Pediatric Vaccination Clinic will be making stops around Southwest Florida next week to vaccinate children 12 years-old and older for COVID-19.

The Mobile Pediatric Vaccination Clinic is walk-up only, and there is no cost for the COVID-19 vaccine, which will be Pfizer. 

The mobile clinic will be at the following locations next week:

  • Monday, August 23, 5-8 p.m., Dunbar High School, 3800 Edison Ave., Fort Myers *This stop is primarily for 2nd doses, however, 1st doses will be provided to those who would like them. Anyone who receives a 1st dose at this location may have to attend another site for their 2nd dose.
  • Tuesday, August 24, 2-7 p.m., Healthy Life Center, 42880 Crescent Loop, Babcock Ranch
  • Wednesday, August 25, 1-4 p.m., Hideaway Beach Club, 333 Hideaway Cir. N., Marco Island
  • Thursday, August 26, 4-6 p.m., Holiday Inn parking lot, 2431 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers *This stop is primarily for 2nd doses, however, 1st doses will be provided to those who would like them. Anyone who receives a 1st dose at this location may have to attend another site for their 2nd dose.
  • Friday, August 27, 3-6 p.m., Immokalee Community Park. 321 N First Street, Immokalee

A parent or authorized guardian must accompany a minor for vaccination. The second dose waill be set for the same location or one nearby.

Anyone 12 years old and older can also receive their COVID-19 vaccine at no cost at Lee Health’s Community Vaccination Clinic, located at Gulf Coast Medical Center. For more information, visit www.leehealth.org

About Lee Health

Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Staffed by caring people, inspiring health, services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org. 



Part of Biden-Harris Administration Vaccine Outreach, CMS Boosts Vaccine Access in Smaller Group Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and Other Group Living Situations

As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing commitment to increasing access to vaccinations and improving health equity, CMS is expanding opportunities for people to receive COVID-19 vaccinations in their home. To ensure Medicare beneficiaries who have difficulty leaving their homes or are otherwise hard-to-reach can receive the vaccination, health care providers can now receive additional payments for administering vaccines to multiple residents in one home setting or communal setting of a home.  

This announcement aims to further boost the administration of COVID-19 vaccination – including second and third doses – in smaller group homes, assisted living facilities, and other group living situations by allowing vaccine providers to receive the increased payment up to 5 times when fewer than 10 Medicare beneficiaries get the vaccine on the same day in the same home or communal setting. This policy will help ensure that at-risk patients in smaller settings have the same opportunities as others to receive the vaccination.

“We are doing everything we can to remove barriers to vaccinations, including ensuring appropriate payment levels for vaccine providers to connect with more people in their communities who are unable to receive the vaccine in a traditional setting,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “We’ve seen the difference that vaccinations have in communities, and we are calling on providers to join us as we continue to increase vaccination rates across the country. Today’s actions ensure that everyone has the ability to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including older adults with mobility or transportation challenges and other at-risk individuals.”

While many Medicare beneficiaries are able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a retail pharmacy or from a health care provider, some people have great difficulty leaving their homes or cannot easily access vaccination in these settings. These individuals are often at-risk patients who could require complex care if they contracted COVID-19 and needed to be hospitalized. To better serve this group, Medicare previously increased the total payment amount for at-home vaccination from approximately $40 to approximately $75 per vaccine dose, in certain circumstances.

Delivering COVID-19 vaccination to access-challenged and hard-to-reach individuals poses some unique challenges, such as ensuring appropriate vaccine storage temperatures, handling, and administration. Along with the CDC guidance, this announcement helps vaccine providers meet these challenges and successfully administer vaccinations.

The additional payment amount also accounts for the clinical time needed to monitor a beneficiary after the vaccine is administered, as well as the upfront costs associated with administering the vaccine safely and appropriately in a beneficiary’s home. The payment rate for administering each dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the additional in-home payment amount, is geographically adjusted based on where the service is furnished.

How to Find a COVID-19 Vaccine:

As states and the federal government continue to break down barriers – like where vaccines can be administered – resources for connecting communities to vaccination options remain key. Unvaccinated individuals and those looking to assist friends and family can:

  1. Visit vaccines.gov (English) or vacunas.gov (Spanish) to search for vaccines nearby
  2. Text GETVAX (438829) for English or VACUNA (822862) for Spanish for near-instant access to details on three vaccine sites in the local area
  3. Call the National COVID-19 Vaccination Assistance Hotline at 1-800-232-0233 (TTY: 1-888-720-7489) for assistance in English and Spanish

Coverage of COVID-19 Vaccines:

The federal government is providing the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge or with no cost-sharing for Medicare beneficiaries. As a condition of receiving free COVID-19 vaccines from the federal government, vaccine providers cannot charge patients any amount for administering the vaccine.

Because no patient can be billed for COVID-19 vaccinations, CMS and its partners have provided a variety of information online for providers vaccinating all Americans regardless of their insurance status:

  • Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage:Beneficiaries with Medicare pay nothing for COVID-19 vaccines or their administration, and there is no applicable copayment, coinsurance or deductible.
  • Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP):State Medicaid and CHIP agencies must cover COVID-19 vaccine administration with no cost sharing for nearly all beneficiaries during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) and (generally) for over a year after it ends. For the very limited number of Medicaid beneficiaries who are not eligible for this coverage (and do not receive it through other coverage they might have), providers may submit claims for reimbursement for administering the COVID-19 vaccine to underinsured individuals through the COVID-19 Coverage Assistance Fund, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), as discussed below. Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021, the federal matching percentage for state Medicaid and CHIP expenditures on COVID-19 vaccine administration is currently 100% (as of April 1, 2021), and will remain 100% for more than a year after the COVID-19 PHE ends. The ARP also expands coverage of COVID-19 vaccine administration under Medicaid and CHIP to additional eligibility groups. CMS recently updated the Medicaid vaccine toolkit to reflect the enactment of the ARP.
  • Private Plans:The vaccine is free for people enrolled in most private health plans. The COVID-19 vaccines and the administration are covered without cost sharing for most enrollees, and such coverage must be provided both in-network and out-of-network during the PHE. Current regulations provide that out-of-network rates must be reasonable as compared to prevailing market rates, and the rules reference using the Medicare payment rates as a potential guideline for insurance companies. In light of CMS’s action, CMS expects health insurance issuers and group health plans to continue to ensure their rates are reasonable when compared to prevailing market rates. Under the conditions of participation in the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program, providers cannot charge plan enrollees any administration fee or cost sharing, regardless of whether the COVID-19 vaccine is administered in-network or out-of-network.

For individuals who are underinsured, vaccine providers may submit claims for reimbursement for administering the COVID-19 vaccine through the COVID-19 Coverage Assistance Fund administered by HRSA after the claim to the individual’s health plan for payment has been denied or only partially paid.

For individuals who are uninsured, vaccine providers may submit claims for reimbursement for administering the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals without insurance through the Provider Relief Fund, administered by HRSA. See information on the COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement to Health Care Providers and Facilities for Testing, Treatment, and Vaccine Administration for the Uninsured Program.

More information on Medicare payment for COVID-19 vaccine administration – including a list of billing codes, payment allowances and effective dates – is available on the Medicare COVID-19 Vaccine Shot Payment webpage.  

More information regarding the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Requirements and how the COVID-19 vaccine is provided through that program at no cost to recipients is available on the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Requirements and Support webpage.



Builds on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans’ Complementary Strengths and Shared Commitment to Help People and Communities Achieve Better Health and to Lead in the Transformation of Health Care

Accelerates the Launch of Best-in-Class Culturally Relevant Offerings in Florida and Puerto Rico

Increases Scale and Resources, Strengthens Market Position and Enables Increased Investments to Enhance Affordability

August 24, 2021 – GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (“GuideWell”), a health solutions company and parent of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (“Florida Blue”), and Triple-S Management Corporation (“Triple-S Management”) (NYSE: GTS), a leading health care services company in Puerto Rico, today announced they will combine to transform the health care experience for their members in Florida and Puerto Rico.

Under the terms of the definitive agreement, GuideWell will acquire all the outstanding shares of Triple-S Managementcommon stock for $36.00 per share in cash, representing a premium of approximately 49% to Triple-S Management’s 90-day volume-weighted average trading price. The transaction (the “Transaction”) equity value is approximately $900 million. Upon completion of the Transaction, Triple-S Management will become a subsidiary of GuideWell and will continue to operate under the Triple-S Management brand. The agreement was unanimously approved by both companies’ Boards of Directors.

The combination brings together industry leaders – and builds on the companies’ complementary assets, cultures and strategic visions. GuideWell is a not-for-profit mutual holding company and the parent to a family of forward-thinking companies, including Florida Blue, that are focused on transforming health care. In total, GuideWell companies serve more than 45 million people in 45 states. Florida Blue is the oldest and largest health insurer in Florida, proudly serving more than 5 million members across all 67 counties in the state. Triple-S Management serves more than 1 million consumers in Puerto Rico, with a strong position in Medicare Advantage, a leading position in Puerto Rico Medicaid and commercial segments, and solid foundations in its Life and P&C segments.

The Transaction positions GuideWell, Florida Blue and Triple-S Management to better serve customers and members in a rapidly evolving environment. The combined entity will be a well-diversified leader, strongly positioned to compete effectively and invest substantially to drive improved health outcomes, access and affordability. 

“The Transaction expands GuideWell’s core insurance operations and positions Florida Blue and Triple-S Management for significant growth and meaningful value creation for the customers and communities we serve,” said Pat Geraghty, president and chief executive officer of GuideWell and Florida Blue. “Florida Blue and Triple-S Management are both recognized for their high-quality, affordable health care and their actions deeply rooted in supporting community well-being. With Puerto Rico’s outlook strengthening, and Florida experiencing fast-paced growth, especially in its Puerto Rican and Hispanic populations, this is a natural next step.”

“Uniting our mission-driven, community-focused teams is a great outcome for our companies, as well as for Puerto Rico and Florida, and our shareholders,” said Roberto Garcia-Rodriguez, president and chief executive officer of Triple-S Management. “We have long admired Florida Blue’s locally focused approach to care, and we share their respect for the uniqueness of every community served. By partnering with a strong organization that shares our mission and approach, we will be well positioned to achieve our strategic goals, expand access and improve health care outcomes for all our members. The Transaction is also clearly in the best interests of our shareholders, given the strategic fit, the significant premium to our current share price and resulting shareholder liquidity.”

The Transaction:

  • Builds on deep local expertise to address the unique needs of Florida Blue’s and Triple-S Management’s diverse customers, driving improved health outcomes, affordability, access and health equity. Triple-S Management and Florida Blue will work together to launch culturally relevant solutions and improve key drivers of health. Triple-S Management’s deep understanding of the Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities, its Spanish-speaking provider network and customer support, and its strong name and brand recognition in Puerto Rico will benefit Florida Blue as the Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities continue to experience fast-paced growth in Florida.
  • Addresses affordability and enables increased investment. As overall health care costs continue to rise, the companies’ expanded scale and reach will enable them to address affordability and continue to invest in accessible, effective health solutions.
  • Drives immediate accretion and propels long-term growth through scale advantages. GuideWell expects the Transaction to be immediately accretive. The Transaction will create a leading provider of Medicare in the United States, enabling Florida Blue and Triple-S Management to better compete against other insurers in Florida and Puerto Rico.

Transaction Details

The Transaction will be completed through a merger of a newly created subsidiary of GuideWell with and into Triple-S Management, with Triple-S Management as the surviving corporation. Following completion of the Transaction, Triple-S Management will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of GuideWell and will continue to be led by its current management team while operating under the Triple-S Management brand. Triple-S Management’s providers, members and community partners will continue to work with the Triple-S Management staff they know and trust.

The Transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2022, subject to satisfaction of normal closing conditions, including customary state and federal regulatory review and approval as well as approval by Triple-S Management shareholders.

Advisors

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to GuideWell, and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is serving as legal counsel. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Triple-S Management, and Davis Polk & Wardell LLP is serving as legal counsel.

Website

Additional information about the combination and its compelling benefits is available at a joint website at www.BuildingHealthTogether.com.

About GuideWell

GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (GuideWell) is a not-for-profit mutual holding company and the parent to a family of forward-thinking companies focused on transforming health care. The GuideWell organization includes Florida Blue, the leading health insurance company in Florida; GuideWell Health, a portfolio of clinical delivery organizations; GuideWell Venture Group, a portfolio of companies, including Onlife Health and PopHealthCare, focused on creating human-first and innovative health solutions for health plans; GuideWell Source, a provider of administrative services to state and federal health care programs; and WebTPA, a market leading administrator of self-funded employer health plans. In total, GuideWell and its affiliated companies serve more than 45 million people in 45 states. For more information, visit www.guidewell.com.

About Florida Blue

Florida Blue, Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, has been providing health insurance to residents of Florida for more than 75 years. Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, the company serves more than 5 million health care members across the state. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About Triple-S Management Corporation

Triple-S Management, a health services company, serves more than 1 million customers in Puerto Rico, which represents nearly one-third of the island’s population. With over 60 years of experience, it is the premier insurance and managed care brand, with the largest customer base and broadest provider networks on the island. Triple-S Management has the exclusive right to use the Blue Cross Blue Shield name and mark throughout Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla, and offers a broad portfolio of managed care and related products in the commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid segments. Triple-S Management is also a well-known brand in the life insurance and property and casualty insurance segments in Puerto Rico, with strong customer relationships and a significant market share. For more information about Triple-S Management, visit www.triplesmanagement.com or contact investorrelations@ssspr.com.



Miami, FL – August 24 2021 – Governor DeSantis announced the opening of a new monoclonal antibody site at Tropical Park in Miami, Florida.

The site details are below:

Tropical Park 7900 SW 40 Street

Miami, Florida 33155 Open daily 9 AM – 5 PM

How do monoclonal antibodies work?

Monoclonal antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond more effectively to the COVID-19 virus.

Monoclonal antibodies are a treatment authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug  Administration (FDA) under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use in adult and pediatric patients (12 and older) who have either been diagnosed or exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are at high risk for progression to severe illness, hospitalization, or death from COVID-19.

In clinical trials, this treatment resulted in a 70% reduction in risk for hospitalization and death, and resulted in an 82% reduction in risk for contracting COVID-19 for people who were exposed to the virus by other members of their household.

When is the best time to get this treatment?

The treatment is most effective when given early and the sooner it is given the better. There is not a time limit to receive the medication, however it must be delivered prior to the occurrence of severe illness.

This treatment is available to all eligible people, regardless of vaccination status.

High-risk patients should get treatment as quickly as possible after testing positive for COVID-19. Examples of medical conditions that may pose a higher risk for severe illness and could potentially benefit from this treatment include, but are not limited to:

  • Older age (65 years of age and older)
  • Individuals overweight
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Pregnancy
  • Immunosuppressive disease or treatments
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Chronic lung diseases
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy
  • Having medical-related technological dependence such as tracheostomy or gastrostomy

How much will it cost?

There is no cost for the treatment. No one will be denied services due to inability to pay for administrative cost at State of Florida sites. However, insurance can be billed if available.

How can I make an appointment?

At the direction of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Department of Health and Florida Division of Emergency Management are working together to deploy mobile and stationary monoclonal antibody therapy treatment sites.

Make an appointment at: www.patientportalfl.com.

No prescription or referral required for State of Florida sites.

To support Governor DeSantis’ initiative, there is currently a standing order in Florida signed by the State Surgeon General that allows patients to receive this treatment without a prescription or  referral if administered by an eligible health care provider.

Such referrals are not required at any of the State of Florida monoclonal antibody treatment sites.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.