The State of Florida offers the Kidcare Health care program for children that are ages birth through the age of 18. There are four different programs within the Kidcare program that your children may qualify for. The eligibility requirements are based upon the age of the child as well as the family income level.
Types
There are four programs within the Kidcare program. Medikids is offered for kids ages 1 through 4. Healthy kids is for children 5 to 18. For those with special health needs, Children's Medical Services Network offers health care. Medicaid is available for those who have some health insurance, but still need more coverage.
Eligibility
Kidcare is offered to those who meet the eligibility requirements. The applicant must be under 19 years old. They must be uninsured, with some exceptions for medicaid coverage. They cannot be the dependent of a state employee who qualifies for state coverage. In many cases there are no monthly charges. Depending on income, however, there can be a charge of $15 to $20 per month as of August 2010.
Application
In order to apply for coverage, a child must be uninsured at the time that the Kidcare would start. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enrollment can and has closed when programs are full. An application remains on file for 120 days. Once the 120 days is passed, you would need to reapply. You can print out the application and mail it in, call 1-888-540-5437 to give your information over the phone, or even apply online.
Agencies
There are four partner agencies that work with Kidcare. The Agency for Health Care Administration makes sure that the Kidcare programs follow all the federal rules and regulations regarding health care. The Department of Children and Families determines eligibility and is responsible for administering behavioral health care to those with emotional disturbances. The Children's Medical Services Network works with those with special needs. The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation collects monthly premiums, runs a call center and determines eligibility.
Services
The Kidcare program covers many health care services. Dental, vision and hearing screenings are covered. Normal well-check visits as well as immunizations and doctors visits are covered. Surgery and emergencies are included in coverage. Prescriptions are paid for as are surgeries. Mental health checks are also part of the Kidcare coverage.
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