Florida Blue and Cleveland Clinic Reach New Agreement; Tampa General Expands Robotic Procedure Capabilities

ByBrian “Weence” Bateman

Tampa, FL – March 10, 2026 – A new Florida Blue–Cleveland Clinic contract protects in-network access as Tampa General adopts advanced endovascular robotics.

A new contract between Florida Blue and Cleveland Clinic Florida is set to prevent coverage disruptions for many Tampa-area patients, while Tampa General Hospital continues expanding advanced procedure technology at its Davis Islands campus.

Florida Blue, Cleveland Clinic Finalize Contract

Cleveland Clinic and Florida Blue announced February 27 that they reached a new multi-year agreement, keeping Cleveland Clinic providers in-network for Florida Blue members across several plan types. The agreement includes employer-sponsored coverage, Affordable Care Act Marketplace plans, and Medicare Advantage products.

For Tampa residents who receive specialty care through Cleveland Clinic Florida locations or who travel within the state for treatment, the deal helps avoid potential out-of-network charges tied to an expiring contract. Network status can affect appointment scheduling, referrals, and out-of-pocket costs.

Patients with upcoming procedures or specialist visits are encouraged by insurers and providers to confirm their specific plan details and any required authorizations directly with their health plan and care team.

Tampa General Adopts Endovascular Robotic System

Tampa General Hospital was recently named the first health system in Florida to adopt Microbot Medical’s LIBERTY endovascular robotic system. The technology is designed for use in peripheral endovascular procedures, which treat blood vessel conditions outside of the heart and brain.

Hospital leaders say investments in robotics and image-guided systems are intended to support clinicians during complex procedures and expand treatment capabilities over time. Tampa General has highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate advanced tools as part of broader innovation initiatives across its campus.

Cancer Research Focuses on Younger Adults

Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa has launched a Young Adult Colorectal Cancer Survivors Study, aimed at gathering insights from people diagnosed between ages 20 and 44. Researchers are collecting patient experiences to better understand barriers to screening awareness, diagnosis, and follow-up care.

The project comes as national screening guidance has shifted in recent years to recommend routine colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 for average-risk adults.

What Residents Should Know

Insurance contracts, hospital technology upgrades, and research initiatives can all influence how and where care is delivered. Residents with scheduled appointments should review their insurance network status and stay informed through official hospital and insurer updates.

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.