What is the difference between Florida Healthy Kids and Florida KidCare? Florida Healthy Kids is one of four Florida KidCare partners and offers quality, affordable, child-centered health and dental insurance for kids from age 5 through the end of age 18. Florida Healthy Kids has a subsidized plan for families who exceed the income eligibility threshold for Medicaid, as well as full-pay options available for those who don’t qualify for subsidized coverage. The Florida KidCare program is made up of Florida Healthy Kids, Medicaid, MediKids and Children’s Medical Services Managed Care Plan (CMS Plan). Through these four partners and with the availability of the full-pay options, all of Florida’s children can be covered by Florida KidCare.
What is the CHIP program? Together, Florida Healthy Kids, MediKids and CMS Plan make up the federally authorized Children’s Health Insurance Program or CHIP in Florida. CHIP provides federal funding to states to subsidize health insurance for children from low-income families. The federal government establishes general guidelines for CHIP implementation, but each state designs and operates its own program.
How do I sign up my child for Florida KidCare health care coverage? It’s quick and easy! Only one application needs to be filled out and once you have applied, Florida KidCare will let you know which program fits your family the best. With year-round open enrollment, the time to apply is always now. Apply online or by calling 1-888-540-KIDS (5437).
How much does Florida Healthy Kids cost? Florida Healthy Kids works hard to keep costs affordable. The program has a subsidized plan for children age 5 through the end of age 18 whose families exceed the income eligibility threshold for Medicaid. For as little as $15 or $20 per month plus small co-pays, the subsidized plan provides health, dental, and vision coverage for all children in the household. For those not eligible for subsidized coverage, Florida Healthy Kids offers full-pay options.
Does Florida Healthy Kids cover dental services? Yes—be sure to check out the dental benefits offered under Florida Healthy Kids. Full-pay families can have dental coverage for an additional amount added to their monthly premium.
What medical services does Florida Healthy Kids cover? Florida Healthy Kids’ comprehensive, child-centered health and dental coverage includes doctor visits, immunizations, dental care, emergency care, hospital stays, prescription drugs, free preventive screenings, and much more. Check out the medical benefits covered under Florida Healthy Kids.
Will I ever need to renew my account? Yes - your Florida Healthy Kids account requires renewal every 12 months. To make the process more convenient, you can renew your account online or through the mail. As your renewal date approaches, we will mail you a reminder to renew your account. If all the information Florida Healthy Kids provides to you is still correct, you will not need to take any action except to make a payment for the next month’s coverage.
I’ve been told that I make too much money for subsidized coverage, but I still need health insurance for my children. How can I get coverage? Florida Healthy Kids offers affordable full-pay options for families with incomes higher than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Using the same application, families can apply at any time online or by calling 1-888-540-KIDS (5437) to apply over the phone or to have an application mailed. Phone operators are available to assist from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
How long does it take to process my application? Application processing typically takes four to six weeks. Coverage will begin on the first of the month only after your child’s eligibility has been determined and the first month’s premium has been paid.
Will I be able to choose my child’s doctor? Once you’re enrolled in a Florida Healthy Kids health plan, you can select any doctor participating in the plan’s network.
How will the doctor’s office know my child is covered through a Florida KidCare partner? Your health insurance plan will send you an identification card with all the information your doctor’s office needs. Remember to show this card at the doctor’s office and the pharmacy when filling prescriptions.
Once my child is enrolled, could they ever lose coverage? Your child could lose coverage if:
You do not make payments on time (but you can set up AutoPay at any time online so you won’t forget).
You do not renew their account every year.
Your child reaches 19 years of age.
You move out of Florida.
Your child receives another form of health insurance, like private or employer-sponsored.
There could be other factors too, and you may call Florida KidCare at 1-888-540-5437 to speak with a representative whenever you have questions.
I am moving to Florida next month. Can I sign my child up for Florida KidCare now? Yes! You can apply for coverage as soon as you have a Florida address.
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