Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released Social Determinants of Health: Economic Stability the fifth and final commentary in a series that explored what the […]
This report, the fifth installment in Florida TaxWatch’s five-part Social Determinants of Health series, examines how economic stability—steady employment, adequate income, food security, and housing stability—affects health outcomes. It highlights the health disparities faced by low-income families and advocates for policies promoting job access, affordable housing, and proper nutrition to improve public health across Florida.
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released Social Determinants of Health: Social and Community Context, the fourth commentary in a five-part series that will explore
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released Social Determinants of Health: Neighborhood and Built Environment, the third commentary in a five-part series that will explore
Florida’s childcare system is at a crossroads, impacting families, businesses, and the economy. With demand rising and federal funding returning to pre-pandemic levels, the state faces critical questions: Should childcare focus solely on supervision or also provide education? Can sustainable policies close the gap in access? Explore how Florida’s future workforce and economy depend on quality early learning options.
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released Social Determinants of Health: Education Access and Quality, the second commentary in a five-part series that will explore
The Florida TaxWatch Institute on Quality Health and Aging presents its latest report on the connection between education and health outcomes. This study, part of a series on Social Determinants of Health, reveals how higher education levels correlate with better health, longer lifespans, and reduced healthcare costs. The report explores the economic impact of education on public health and state budgets, emphasizing the importance of early childhood education. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and educators, aiming to guide policies that improve health outcomes and economic prosperity for all Floridians. Download the full report to learn how investing in education can significantly impact Florida’s public health and economic future.
This report examines the social determinants of health (SDOH), underscoring that environmental and social factors are the primary determinants of health outcomes. Significant barriers to healthcare access include high insurance costs and a large uninsured population, contributing to Florida’s low national ranking in healthcare access. Challenges are particularly acute in rural and low-income areas, with a notable dependence on emergency services by uninsured individuals, imposing considerable economic strains. To address these issues, the report suggests expanding Medicaid eligibility to enhance access and reduce costs, promoting telehealth to connect urban and rural communities, increasing autonomy for nurse practitioners and physician assistants to alleviate physician shortages, and implementing the “Live Healthy Agenda” to elevate healthcare quality and access throughout Florida. These recommendations aim to catalyze systemic changes for a healthier, economically stable state.
Where and how well our school districts spend our education dollars can have a profound impact on student academic achievement and success. Historically, education makes up about one-fourth of Florida’s total budget. Florida TaxWatch believes that shifting education spending away from administrative and other expenses and toward classroom/instructional expenses is beneficial.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the opportunity- and the need- to make telehealth as accessible as practicable. Telehealth helps reach audiences that may otherwise be unable to access care and provides the opportunity to improve patient care, treatment, education, and services, and ultimately bend the cost curve.
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