If your child is uninsured or you’re spending too much on a job-based family insurance plan, then you need to know about your option to apply for Florida KidCare. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for the state of Florida is called Florida KidCare. Florida’s CHIP program consists of Medicaid, MediKids, Healthy Kids, and CMS. These programs are ideal for families who are at 200% or below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Open enrollment for Florida KidCare is all year round and there are options available for children from birth through 18 years old. Many families receive free health insurance coverage or pay as little as $15 or $20 monthly premium for all children in the household. Benefits include doctor visits, dental, vision, well visits, immunizations, emergency care, surgeries, and medications.
For your child to be eligible for Florida KidCare, he or she must:
Be under 19
Meet household income eligibility requirements
Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully residing immigrant (A parent’s immigration status will never be asked.)
Not be eligible for fully-subsidized Medicaid
Not be in a public institution
If you’re not sure whether you might qualify for Florida KidCare, and don’t know where to start, contact us here at Central Florida Health Care, Inc. Our Patient Navigators are here to help you apply for Florida KidCare coverage. You can ask to speak to one of our Patient Navigators by calling (866) 234-8534 and scheduling an appointment.
This column is sponsored by Central Florida Health Care, Inc., and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers.
BIO: Ermelinda Centeno is the Health Center Administrator at Central Florida Health Care’s Haines City location. She is also the Chair of the Polk County Florida KidCare Coalition and is passionate about helping the community learn their options for health insurance coverage available for children. To receive in-person assistance with the Florida KidCare application or to learn more about other health coverage options, call (866) 234-8534 to schedule an appointment at one of our 14 locations. Visit cfhconline.org for more information.
