Florida Blue and Cleveland Clinic Reach Deal; Measles Counts Continue to Rise in Florida

ByBrian “Weence” Bateman

Jacksonville, FL – March 9, 2026 – A new Florida Blue agreement preserves Cleveland Clinic access as Florida measles totals climb, including cases in Duval County.

A new agreement between Jacksonville-based Florida Blue and Cleveland Clinic Florida preserves in-network access for many local members, easing concerns that surfaced ahead of a late-February contract deadline. At the same time, statewide measles totals continued to rise in February, with Duval County among the counties reporting cases this year.

Florida Blue and Cleveland Clinic Secure New Contract

Cleveland Clinic announced Feb. 27 that it reached a new agreement with Florida Blue, keeping its providers in-network for members with employer-sponsored coverage, Health Insurance Marketplace plans and Medicare Advantage plans.

In the days leading up to the announcement, reporting indicated that some patients could face out-of-network disruptions if negotiations failed. The new deal means many Jacksonville-area residents who rely on Florida Blue can continue seeing Cleveland Clinic Florida physicians under existing network terms.

Patients with upcoming appointments may still want to review their specific plan documents and confirm any required authorizations directly with their insurer or provider’s office.

Measles Activity Remains on the Radar

State surveillance summaries cited in late-February coverage show Florida’s measles case count increased from 92 cases on Feb. 14 to 114 cases on Feb. 21. Duval County is listed among counties that have reported cases in 2026, though most cases have been concentrated in Southwest Florida.

Health officials continue to emphasize vaccination as the primary prevention tool and advise people with fever and rash illness to contact a healthcare provider before arriving for care. Calling ahead allows clinics and hospitals to take steps that reduce exposure in waiting areas.

Emergency Care and Hospital Expansion Projects

Regional development updates also highlight continued investment in emergency access across Northeast Florida. HCA Florida Memorial Hospital recently opened a freestanding emergency room on Merrill Road in Arlington, adding private exam rooms and on-site imaging.

On Jacksonville’s Southbank, Baptist Health’s McGehee Family Tower project remains underway, designed to expand adult and pediatric emergency capacity over time. In nearby St. Johns County, UF Health Flagler Hospital has moved forward with updated exterior signage tied to UF Health St. Johns branding, aimed at clearer identification and wayfinding.

What Residents Should Know

Residents with Florida Blue coverage can check their member portal or contact customer service to confirm network status and referral requirements. Families should keep immunization records accessible and follow guidance from local and state health authorities regarding measles exposure and prevention.

If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.

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Brian “Weence” Bateman is a health and medical writer who covers public health updates, healthcare policy, and medical developments affecting communities across the United States. He works closely with dentists and healthcare providers and focuses on making complex medical information clear, accurate, and useful for everyday readers.