Healthy Kids Press Contact,
Ashley Carr, Chief Marketing Officer,
(850) 701-6160, [email protected].
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation (FHKC) today celebrates the legislature's passage of landmark Florida KidCare legislation. House Bill 121 increases the income eligibility limit for subsidized Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level, or from $60,000 to $90,000 annually for a family of four. Through the creation of new premium tiers, the bill creates a glidepath for families by allowing them to keep subsidized coverage as they earn more, so they can pursue financial stability without fear of losing the government help they receive.
House Speaker Paul Renner made this issue a priority in his 2023 Session opening remarks by saying, "Too often, the welfare system punishes working parents by abruptly taking away government benefits when they earn a few extra dollars. No family should ever have to choose between a pay raise and their children's healthcare, so we will make it easier for moms and dads to move from welfare to work and on the way to the American Dream!"
FHKC Board Chair Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos said, "This bill is a huge win for Florida's working families! It will allow parents the opportunity to provide affordable health insurance for their children. We are so grateful for the leadership of Speaker Renner, who put this issue at the forefront, and to the members of the legislature who made it happen."
House Bill 121, sponsored by Representative Robin Bartleman and others, was voted on and approved today by the Florida Senate as substitute to Senate Bill 246 by Senator Alexis Calatayud. The Florida House previously voted to approve the bill on April 13.
For more information about Florida KidCare, visit www.floridakidcare.org, and for more information about the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, visit www.healthykids.org.
About the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation
The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation is a nonprofit, public-private partnership created by the Florida Legislature to expand access to affordable, child-centered health insurance. The Corporation administers Florida Healthy Kids (healthykids.org), a comprehensive health and dental insurance program for Florida children from age 5 through the 19th birthday. The Corporation also provides marketing, customer services and administrative services for Florida KidCare.
