Healthy Kids Press Contact,
Ashley Carr, Chief Marketing Officer,
(850) 701-6160, [email protected].
TALLAHASSEE – With children officially back in the classroom statewide, the partners of Florida KidCare and the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS) challenge Florida parents with a health insurance homework assignment – cover your kids.
Those who are not yet covered are encouraged to apply for Florida KidCare, a state-sponsored, child-centered health and dental insurance program for children from birth through the end of age 18. Most families pay nothing at all, and many families pay as little as $15 or $20 a month. High quality benefits include check-ups, immunizations, emergencies, surgeries, prescriptions, dental coverage and more.
“Florida KidCare meets the needs of children at each primary developmental stage, paying for physicals and preventive care that keep kids healthy and for doctor visits and prescriptions when they are sick,” said Rebecca Matthews, CEO of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation. “Enrollment is open year-round, so the time to apply is always now.”
In Florida, to participate in school-sponsored sports and many other extra-curricular activities, students are required to have health insurance. Florida KidCare is an affordable solution – no matter your income.
“Educators know there is a clear 'learning connection' between healthy students and improved academic achievement,” said Bill Montford, Florida Senator and FADSS Chief Executive Officer. “Every student deserves the same opportunity for academic success, and comprehensive health care is fundamental to ensuring the wellness of our students. Florida KidCare puts health insurance within financial reach of every Florida family.”
According to a study by the Georgetown Health Policy Institute’s Center for Children and Families, more than 377,000 Florida children are uninsured. Nearly 61 percent or 230,000 Florida children are estimated to be eligible for subsidized coverage through Florida KidCare but are not yet enrolled. Effective July 1, 2016, the Florida Legislature further expanded access to Florida KidCare for lawfully residing immigrant children – eliminating a previous five-year waiting period.
It is easy to apply online at www.FloridaKidCare.org or by calling 1-888-540-5437. Affordable full-pay options are available to those who may not qualify for subsidized coverage.
About the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation
Florida Healthy Kids offers comprehensive, affordable, child-centered health insurance for children ages 5 through 18 who are not eligible for Medicaid. It is part of the Florida KidCare program. Florida Healthy Kids coverage – available through both subsidized and full-pay options – includes immunizations, doctor visits, dental care, emergency care, hospital stays and more. Coverage through Florida Healthy Kids can be purchased for as little as $15 or $20 a month and can be applied for year-round at www.healthykids.org.
About Florida KidCare
Florida KidCare provides health care coverage to Florida children from birth through the end of age 18 through four programs: MediKids, Florida Healthy Kids, Children’s Medical Services and Medicaid. Most families enrolled in Florida KidCare pay nothing at all. Monthly premiums depend on household size and income. Benefits of Florida KidCare include doctor visits, check-ups, immunizations, emergencies, surgeries, prescriptions, dental coverage and more. Enrollment is year-round. Learn more at www.FloridaKidCare.org.
