Tampa health update: New thumb-arthritis implant milestone, burn ban extension, and Medicare Advantage network changes

ByWeence

Tampa, FL – March 3, 2026 – TGH debuts a new FDA-approved thumb joint implant, a burn ban stays in place, and Humana-Moffitt network changes loom.

Hospital care: Tampa General and Florida Orthopaedic Institute report first-in-Florida thumb joint implant

Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) announced they have performed Florida’s first surgery using the TOUCH CMC prosthesis, an FDA-approved implant for total replacement of the thumb’s carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. The organizations described the device as a new option for patients with thumb CMC osteoarthritis, a condition that can limit hand function.

In the announcement, TGH and FOI said the implant is designed to replace the damaged joint rather than relying on traditional approaches that remove bone. The release characterized the milestone as part of broader efforts to bring new technology into orthopedic and hand-care services in the Tampa area.

Public health: Hillsborough County extends emergency ban on open burning

Hillsborough County extended its emergency ban on outdoor open burning on Feb. 26, citing continued dry conditions and wildfire risk. The county said the order prohibits outdoor open burning and also bans fireworks, sparklers and fire pits, while allowing outdoor grilling if flames are contained within a grill and constantly attended.

County officials noted the order is time-limited under state law and can be extended if conditions persist. Residents are urged to follow official county emergency notifications and posted restrictions.

Health insurance: Humana confirms Moffitt will be out-of-network for many Medicare Advantage members starting July 1

Humana said Moffitt Health System and Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida will be out-of-network for Humana Medicare Advantage members beginning July 1, 2026. In a Feb. 27 statement, the insurer said members are being supported with assistance to transition to other in-network providers and that some patients may qualify for continuity-of-care coverage for a limited period, depending on their situation.

Humana also noted that in an emergency, members should go to the closest hospital, and emergency services will be covered at the in-network benefit level regardless of whether the hospital is in the plan’s network.

Outbreak watch: CDC counts Florida measles cases, including local counties

A Feb. 27 report citing CDC data said Florida had 107 confirmed measles cases as of Feb. 26, with state reporting reflecting cases across multiple counties that include Hillsborough and Pinellas. The update highlights measles as an ongoing public health issue being tracked at both federal and state levels.

Sources

https://www.tgh.org/news/tgh-press-releases/2026/february/tgh-foi-perform–florida-first-touch-cmc-prosthesis-surgery-for-thumb-arthritis
https://hcfl.gov/newsroom/2026/02/26/hillsborough-county-extends-emergency-ban-on-open-burning—issued-february-26-2026
https://news.humana.com/news/articles/humana-statement-on-our-contract-with-moffitt-health-system
https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/02/27/cdc-florida-has-107-confirmed-measles-cases/

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

Brian 'Weence' Bateman is a seasoned medical and health writer with over a decade of experience in web development, search optimization, and social media for dentists and healthcare providers. His in-depth knowledge and dedication to the field are evident in the meticulously researched and informative content he produces.

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