Florida Blue and Cleveland Clinic Reach New Deal as Tampa General Expands Robotic Vascular Care

ByBrian “Weence” Bateman

Tampa, FL – March 9, 2026 – Florida Blue members keep in-network access to Cleveland Clinic as Tampa General adopts new endovascular robotics.

Florida Blue members in the Tampa Bay area will continue to have in-network access to Cleveland Clinic Florida providers after the two sides announced a new agreement in late February, easing concerns about potential coverage disruptions tied to a contract deadline.

Insurance Network Stability for Florida Blue Members

Cleveland Clinic and Florida Blue said on February 27 that they secured a new contract covering several plan types, including employer-sponsored coverage, Marketplace plans and Medicare Advantage. The agreement follows weeks of uncertainty as a prior contract neared expiration.

For Tampa-area residents who receive specialty care through Cleveland Clinic Florida, the update means services are expected to remain in-network under participating plans. Consumer advocates routinely advise patients to confirm network status and any prior authorization requirements before scheduled procedures, particularly after contract negotiations.

Tampa General Adopts Endovascular Robotic System

Tampa General Hospital was named the first health system in Florida to adopt Microbot Medical’s LIBERTY endovascular robotic system for use in peripheral vascular procedures. The hospital announced the milestone in late February.

Endovascular procedures are typically image-guided and minimally invasive, used to treat certain blood vessel conditions. Hospital leaders said the technology is designed to support clinicians during complex vascular interventions and may expand procedural capabilities over time.

Technology investments at major regional hospitals can influence referral patterns and access to specialized care for patients across Hillsborough County and surrounding communities.

County Health Fair Pairs Groceries With Screenings

Hillsborough County recently promoted a community health fair that combines free grocery distribution with limited health screenings and vaccinations while supplies last. The event is tied to the county’s Healthy Living Program, which offers ongoing education, nutrition counseling and group activities.

County officials have described the fair as a way to connect residents with preventive services and food support in one location, particularly for households managing rising costs.

What Residents Should Know

Residents with upcoming appointments involving Cleveland Clinic Florida providers can review their specific plan documents or contact their insurer to confirm network participation. Tampa General patients scheduled for vascular procedures can consult their care teams about available treatment options.

Information about future Healthy Living Program events is available through Hillsborough County channels.

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.