KidCare is a free or low-cost medical insurance program for Florida children from birth through age 18. KidCare has four parts, but requires only one application. The application is reviewed by the appropriate state agency and applicants are notified which part of KidCare they qualify for. Working parents are eligible for KidCare and the amount of the premium (if any) is based on the age of the child and family income.
MediKids
MediKids is administered by the Agency for Health Care Administration and provides low-cost health insurance for children ages one through four. It is not an entitlement program, though enrolled children receive most of the same benefits as Medicaid beneficiaries and use the same health care providers. Eligible families pay $15 or $20 monthly, depending on household income. Families that are over the income limit have the option of a full-premium health insurance policy at $159 per month.
Healthy Kids
Florida has established a simple process for qualification for Healthy Kids, a program for children between five and 18 years of age. Besides the age qualification, applicant children must be uninsured, not eligible for Medicaid and a U.S. citizen who is not the child of a state employee. Healthy Kids encourages preventative checkups and requires a small co-pay for services. For example, office visits for minor illnesses and accidents requires a $5 co-pay, while well-child checkups and hearing and vision exams are free.
Children's Medical Services
Children's Medical Services is a group of specialized programs for children with special needs. Programs include services for pregnant women, newborns, infants and toddlers, adolescents, and young adults. Health services are provided for children and adolescents who have ongoing medical or behavioral conditions and for children who are alleged to be have been abused or neglected. Screening is provided for newborns, and an early intervention program helps with children whose development lags behind their peers.
Medicaid
Medicaid covers low-income children from birth to age 18. A child covered by other health insurance may still qualify for Medicaid. Children up to age 18 may be covered by Medicaid if their parents do not exceed the income limits and if their countable assets do not exceed $2,000. Individuals eligible for Temporary Cash Assistance are also eligible for Medicaid. Eligibility is determined by the Department of Children and Families; a family of three, for example, with a monthly household income of $1,526 is eligible for assistance.
Apply
Applications are available at most County Health Departments and the Department of Children and Families. They are also available for download and printing online at the Florida KidCare website. Some KidCare programs are limited and applicants are served on a first-come-first-served basis. Medicaid is always available.
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