From January 1, 2026 Florida will implement five new state laws This will impact areas such as Animal protectionThe Pet insurancepreventive health and the rights of public servants.
These reforms, passed during the 2025 legislative session, are reported to aim to improve transparency, strengthen consumer protections and remove economic barriers to essential services Telemundo And Fox 13 Tampa Bay.
With the entry into force of these reforms Florida will begin the year with changes that benefit patients, public employees, consumers and animal advocates and strengthen standards of transparency and protection in key sectors of the state.
One of the most important measures is the creation of a public database of people convicted of animal cruelty HB 255known as “Dexter’s Law”.
Since the entry into force of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will publish on its website names of those who were declared guiltyregardless of whether they pleaded guilty or not disputed allegations for animal cruelty.
This tool will make it possible Pet ownersAnimal shelters and rescue organizations obtain background information before surrendering an animal in order to prevent new cases of abuse and create more transparency, as described in detail. Telemundo. Fox 13 Tampa Bay He adds that the database will be easily accessible and available to any interested citizen.
The HB 655 introduces new rules for Pet insurance companiesby clearly explaining to applicants and policyholders how claims payments are determined and what medical examination requirements apply to pets.
Telemundo points out that the Consumers have the opportunity to review and cancel the order If they wish, they can change their policies within a certain period of time.
In addition, insurers can Decline coverage for pre-existing illnesses, but you must prove that these already existed before you were hired. You can also set waiting periods for certain illnesses, but not for accidents.
Fox 13 Tampa Bay highlights that companies will be able to do this once the contract is concluded request a medical examinationalthough they may need it for more than just policy renewal. Eligibility for insurance is not dependent on participation in animal welfare programs. These provisions aim to reduce disputes, increase coverage clarity and protect consumers from unexpected denials.
In the area of preventative healthThe SB 158 states that public health insurance plans for employees will no longer require copayments or deductibles diagnostic breast exams or additional tests, such as B. Follow-up examinations or mammograms.
Telemundo states that these audits will be fully covered from 2026, removing economic barriers that previously caused delays recognition early diseases. Fox 13 Tampa Bay Stresses that this measure represents a step forward in protecting the health of public servants and facilitates access to basic tests at no additional cost.
The SB 1808 Specifies that licensed providers and health centers must reimburse any overpayment made by a patient in a particular case maximum period of 30 days. If they fail to meet this deadline, they reportedly face disciplinary sanctions or fines. Telemundo.
This rule only applies to services provided applies from January 1, 2026 and has no impact Overpayments are carried out by insurance companies to which different regulations apply. Fox 13 Tampa Bay emphasizes that the measure aims to speed up the return of improper charges and improve the patient experience in the healthcare system.
Finally the SB 944 changes the application deadline for health plans and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Qualified psychologists Reimbursement of overpaid claims.
From 2026, this period will be shortened by 30 to 12 monthswhich equates it with the term that already applies to others health professionals, like doctors, chiropractors and dentists. Telemundo And Fox 13 Tampa Bay They agree that this reform aims to standardize procedures and provide greater security to professionals in this sector.
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