Two major healthcare bills moving through Florida House

In this 2026 session, two major healthcare bills are actively moving forward through the legislative process in the Florida House. These bills, if passed, would bring sweeping changes to the healthcare industry.

By Tami Stevenson

In this 2026 session, two major healthcare bills are actively moving forward through the legislative process in the Florida House. These bills, if passed, would bring sweeping changes to the healthcare industry.

HB 693: Health and Human Services, would make it easier for nursing homes, hospice providers, and similar facilities to open or expand by eliminating the state’s Certificate of Need (CON) requirement for those services.

     For families, this could mean more choices and improved access to long-term care or end-of-life services, especially in growing or underserved communities. For providers, it would reduce regulatory delays and allow facilities to respond more quickly to local demand.

     The bill would expand roles for nurses and physician assistants by allowing advanced practice registered nurses, such as nurse practitioners, to practice with greater independence. It would also increase the number of providers that physician assistants are allowed to supervise.

     Patients—particularly in rural areas—could see shorter wait times and better access to routine medical care. Providers may benefit from more flexible staffing models and expanded responsibilities.

     HB 693 would tighten eligibility rules for Medicaid, Florida KidCare, and SNAP food assistance. Supporters say these changes align state policy with federal standards, while critics argue some provisions go further than required. Families with limited incomes could face additional paperwork or stricter requirements to keep benefits. Healthcare providers serving Medicaid patients may see changes in patient enrollment, which could affect appointment volume and reimbursement.

HB 697: Drug Prices and Coverage, would require pharmaceutical companies to disclose how much they charge for medications in other countries. Lawmakers say this would shine a light on pricing disparities and help inform future cost-control efforts.

     Patients may gain better insight into why certain drugs are priced higher in the U.S., while insurers and manufacturers would face new reporting requirements.

     For Floridians who pay out of pocket for prescriptions, the bill would cap how much pharmacies can charge. Uninsured families could see more predictable and potentially lower prescription costs. Pharmacies may need to adjust pricing models but could attract more cash-paying customers.

     The bill places limits on practices used by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) and insurers that lawmakers believe drive up drug prices.

     Patients could benefit if savings are passed along through lower costs. PBMs and insurers would likely need to revise contracts and pricing strategies.

     HB 693 was introduced by Rep. Mike Redondo (R) Miami. HB 697 was introduced by Rep. Jennifer Kincart Jonsson (R) Lakeland.

     Both HB 693 and HB 697 have cleared early committee reviews and both are now in the Health & Human Services Committee.