Florida Kidcare

As a parent, your child’s health is probably one of your top priorities. But what happens when you can’t afford healthcare coverage for them? In the state of Florida, there is a solution – Florida Kidcare.

This program provides affordable, comprehensive healthcare coverage for children from birth through age 18. In this article, I will introduce you to Florida Kidcare and explain how it can benefit your child’s health.

What is Florida Kidcare?

Florida Kidcare is a state-run program that aims to provide quality healthcare coverage for children who do not have access to other insurance options. It was established in 1998 and has since helped over 2 million children in Florida.

The program is funded by both the state and federal government, making it accessible for families of all income levels. In fact, families with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level may qualify for coverage.

What Does Florida Kidcare Cover?

The healthcare coverage provided by Florida Kidcare is comprehensive and includes:

• Doctor visits
• Dental care
• Vision services
• Immunizations
• Emergency care
• Hospital stays
• Mental health services
• Prescriptions

In addition, children enrolled in Florida Kidcare are eligible to receive preventive care services, such as immunizations and well-child check-ups, at no cost.

Types of Coverage

Florida Kidcare offers four different types of coverage:

• MediKids – This option provides full health insurance coverage for children ages 1 through 4 who do not have other insurance options.
• Healthy Kids – This plan is for children ages 5 through 18 and offers comprehensive coverage.
• Children’s Medical Services Managed Care Plan (CMS Plan) – This is a specialized plan for children with special healthcare needs, such as chronic illnesses or disabilities.
• Children’s Medicaid – This option provides full health coverage for children from low-income families.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Florida Kidcare, your child must:

• Age Requirement: The program is designed for children under the age of 19.
• Residency: Applicants must be residents of Florida.
• Citizenship/Immigration Status: The child must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen. Importantly, a parent’s immigration status is not required on the application and is not a factor in determining the child’s eligibility.
• Income Limits: Eligibility is also based on family income. Children from birth until their first birthday are eligible for Medicaid if their household income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. For children above the age of 1, eligibility for Florida KidCare coverage is available through either a subsidized or full-pay program, depending on the family’s income.
• Insurance Status: To qualify for premium assistance (subsidized coverage), the child must be uninsured when Florida KidCare coverage begins.
• Other Requirements: The child should not be eligible for fully subsidized Medicaid and should not be in a public institution. They must also meet all other Medicaid eligibility requirements.

How to Apply

To apply for the Florida KidCare program, you have several convenient options:

1. Online Application:
   • Visit the Florida KidCare online application portal.
   • Complete and submit the application form electronically.
2. By Mail:
   • Download the application form from the Florida KidCare website.
   • Fill out the form and mail it to the address provided on the form.
3. By Phone:
4. • Call 1-888-540-KIDS (5437).
   • Apply over the phone with assistance available in English, Spanish, and Creole.
5. In Person: Visit any federally qualified health center or other locations that offer Florida KidCare application assistance.

What are the Benefits of the Florida Kidcare Program?

The Florida KidCare program offers numerous benefits for both children and families. Some of the main advantages include:

• Affordable Coverage: With low monthly premiums and no deductibles or copayments for preventive care, Florida Kidcare is an affordable option for families.
• Comprehensive Healthcare Services: The program covers a wide range of healthcare services, including preventive care, emergency care, and mental health services.
• Peace of Mind: As a parent, you can have peace of mind knowing that your child’s healthcare needs are covered by a reliable program.
• Financial Stability: By providing affordable healthcare coverage, Florida Kidcare can help alleviate the financial burden of expensive medical bills.

Find a Provider

Once your child is enrolled in Florida Kidcare, you can choose from a wide range of providers who accept the program’s coverage. These include:

• Pediatricians
• Family doctors
• Hospitals
• Dentists
• Vision specialists

You can search for providers by using the online provider directory on the Florida KidCare website or by calling 1-888-540-KIDS (5437) for assistance.

Florida Kidcare Customer Service

Contact Type	Details
General Information Phone	1-888-540-KIDS (5437)
TTY	1-800-955-8771
Operating Hours	7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (EST), Monday – Friday (except holidays)
Mailing Address	Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, P.O. Box 980, Tallahassee, FL 32302 (Do not send premium payments to this address)
Address for Premium Payments	Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, P.O. Box 31105, Tampa, FL 33631-3105
Email for Renewal Documents	[email protected]
Application/Account Information	1-888-540-KIDS (5437)
Renewal Information	Florida KidCare, Attention: RENEWAL, P.O. Box 591, Tallahassee, Florida 32302-0591
Toll-Free Fax Number for Renewal	1-866-867-0054

Conclusion

As a parent, it can be extremely stressful and overwhelming to worry about your child’s healthcare needs. But with Florida Kidcare, you can rest assured knowing that your child is covered by affordable, comprehensive healthcare coverage. Take advantage of this program and give your child the best chance at a healthy future. Apply for Florida KidCare today!

FAQs – People Also Ask