Cary Barbor

Writer & Radio Reporter at Freelance

Articles

Fifth Third Bank surprises new families by funding 529 plan

1 week ago | news.wgcu.org | Cary Barbor |Andrea Melendez

New parents have a lot on their minds, including how they will afford the expenses that come along with their bundle of joy. But Kaitlyn and Jameson Farinosi of Punta Gorda got a surprise gift that will help them meet some of those costs. Fifth Third bank celebrated fifth third day on May 3 (get it? 5/3) by surprising the families of babies born that day at NCH and Cape Coral Hospital. They presented them with a gift of $1,053 to open a 529 college savings account.
Protests arise again as Southwest Florida residents rail against Trump Administration policies

3 weeks ago | wusf.org | Cary Barbor |Michael Braun

Nearly two thousand people turned out in Naples and Fort Myers Saturday in a second round of protests against policies and programs put into place during the start of President Donald Trump's administration. Protests were also confirmed across Southwest Florida in Port Charlotte, Venice, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa, as well as in other locations in Florida.
Florida ranks lowest among states in passing nursing exam | WUSF

Feb 10, 2025 | wusf.org | Cary Barbor

Although Florida has performed below the national average for more than 10 years, the gap between its scores and the national averages did decrease in 2024.
White House proposes a rule to make contraception more accessible

Oct 23, 2024 | wusf.org | Cary Barbor

A new proposed this week by the Biden Administration will allow women to get over-the-counter contraception for free and without a prescription. It will also mandate that insurers cover prescription contraception at no cost to the patient. Previously, a patient needed a prescription to get contraception for free, even if it was available over the counter. Jennifer Klein, Director of the White House Gender Policy Council, notes how significant a change this would be.
NCH and Florida Blue reach a last-minute agreement on a multiyear contract

Oct 1, 2024 | wusf.org | Cary Barbor

At the eleventh hour, Florida Blue and NCH agreed on a multiyear hospital-insurer agreement late Monday that will keep the Naples-based health system's doctors, hospitals and practices in-network for patients. The previous contract had been set to expire at midnight Monday. Had no deal been finalized, about 40,000 Florida Blue subscribers would have had to pay out-of-network charges for NCH providers or find new ones.
NCH and Florida Blue reach a last-minute agreement on a multiyear contract

Oct 1, 2024 | health.wusf.usf.edu | Cary Barbor

At the eleventh hour, Florida Blue and NCH agreed on a multiyear hospital-insurer agreement late Monday that will keep the Naples-based health system's doctors, hospitals and practices in-network for patients. The previous contract had been set to expire at midnight Monday. Had no deal been finalized, about 40,000 Florida Blue subscribers would have had to pay out-of-network charges for NCH providers or find new ones.
NCH, Florida Blue still at odds over contract with viability of care network at stake

Sep 20, 2024 | wusf.org | Cary Barbor

Naples-based NCH Healthcare System, an in-network provider for Florida Blue for many years, may be considered out of network at the end of September if the parties can’t come to an agreement. NCH maintains that it can’t provide its services at the current level of Florida Blue’s reimbursement, and Florida Blue believes NCH is asking for an unreasonable payment rate.
NCH, Florida Blue still at odds over contract with viability of care network at stake

Sep 20, 2024 | health.wusf.usf.edu | Cary Barbor

Naples-based NCH Healthcare System, an in-network provider for Florida Blue for many years, may be considered out of network at the end of September if the parties can’t come to an agreement. NCH maintains that it can’t provide its services at the current level of Florida Blue’s reimbursement, and Florida Blue believes NCH is asking for an unreasonable payment rate.
FEMA extends its Hurricane Ian housing program

Sep 19, 2024 | wusf.org | Cary Barbor

Although we are coming up on the second anniversary of Hurricane Ian, many homes and businesses are still in rough shape from the storm’s destruction. Because of a shortage of affordable rental housing in southwest Florida, among other factors, FEMA is extending its housing program for Hurricane Ian survivors. John Brogan, Federal Coordinating Officer for FEMA, explains.
Florida women's healthcare ranks dismally

Sep 17, 2024 | wlrn.org | Cary Barbor

A recent study showed that, for healthcare coverage, access, and affordability for women, Florida ranks 48 out of 51 states including Washington, D.C. For prenatal care, the state comes in dead last – 51 out of 51. The study was conducted by the Commonwealth Fund, a nonpartisan foundation that promotes a high-performing health care system. Dave Radley is one of the authors of the study.