Kids Oughta be covered

1-888-540-5437

TTY 1-800-955-8771

 

Through Florida KidCare, the state of Florida offers health insurance for children from birth through age 18, even if one or both parents are working.

APPLY NOWYear-round Enrollment
PAY PREMIUMOnline Services
YOUR ACCOUNTLog in to Your Account

Eligibility and Cost More About KidCare Help Applying

Eligibility

Florida KidCare is for children, not adults. To qualify for premium assistance, a child must:

  • Be under age 19
  • Be uninsured
  • Meet income eligibility requirements
  • Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
  • Not be eligible for Medicaid
  • Not be in a public institution

Families who are not eligible for premium assistance may buy Florida KidCare (MediKids or Healthy Kids) at the “full pay” premium rate.

Call 1-888-540-5437 for more information.

Cost

  • There is no charge for Medicaid for children (KidCare Medicaid).
  • For other Florida KidCare programs, monthly premiums depend on your household’s size and income. Most families pay $15 or $20 a month. If you need to pay more, Florida KidCare will let you know.
  • Make checks or money orders payable to Florida KidCare. Do not send cash. If your child (or children) is approved for Medicaid or denied coverage, your premium payment will be refunded.
  • You may have to pay small charges or co-payments for some services.
  • A child who is a member of a federally recognized American Indian or Alaskan Native tribe may qualify for no-cost Florida KidCare coverage.

More Information: Information for Grandparents | American Indian or Alaskan Native Eligibility | Non-Citizen Information

Important Reminder

You may apply for Florida KidCare if your child has other health insurance now. We suggest that you keep your child's current health insurance until you receive an approval letter from Florida KidCare letting you know when your child's new Florida KidCare coverage will start. Florida KidCare coverage starts on the first day of the month after you make your first premium payment.

If your Florida KidCare monthly premium is $15 or $20, your child cannot have other health insurance and Florida KidCare coverage at the same time. You will need to cancel your child's other health insurance before their new Florida KidCare coverage starts. This is a federal law. Please call Florida KidCare customer service at 1-800-821-5437 if you have questions.

Back to top

How KidCare Covers Children

Florida KidCare includes four different parts. When you apply for the insurance, Florida KidCare will check which part your child may qualify for based on age and family income.

MEDIKIDS

children ages 1 through 4.

HEALTHY KIDS

children ages 5 through 18.

CHILDREN'S MEDICAL SERVICES MANAGED CARE PLAN

Medicaid: Clinically eligible children with special health care needs from birth through 20.
Title XXI Florida KidCare: Clinically eligible children with special health care needs from birth through 18.

MEDICAID

children birth through 18.
A child who has other health insurance may still qualify for Medicaid.

Some of the services Florida KidCare covers are:

  • Doctor visits
  • Check-ups and shots
  • Hospital
  • Surgery
  • Prescriptions
  • Emergencies
  • Vision and hearing
  • Dental
  • Mental health


Our Partner Agencies

The Florida KidCare state children's health insurance program has four partner agencies. When you apply for the insurance, Florida KidCare will check which part your child may qualify for based on age and family income:

The Agency for Health Care Administration administers Medicaid services and the MediKids program for children ages 1 through 4. The Agency also works with the federal government to make sure the Florida KidCare program follows all federal laws and rules.
The Department of Children and Families determines eligibility for the Medicaid program and administers the Behavioral Health Network for children ages 5 through 18 with serious emotional disturbances.
The Department of Health administers the Children's Medical Services Managed Care Plan for children with special health care needs from birth through age 18 with family income up to 200% of the federal poverty level.
The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation administers the Florida Healthy Kids program for children ages 5 through 18. The corporation also determines eligibility for the non-Medicaid parts of the program, collects monthly premiums, and manages the customer service call center.

Florida KidCare Coordinating Council

The Florida KidCare Coordinating Council reviews and makes recommendations concerning the implementation and operation of the Florida KidCare program. Council membership includes representatives from the Department of Health, the Department of Children and Families, the Agency for Health Care Administration, the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, the Department of Insurance, local government, health insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, health care providers, families participating in the program, and organizations representing low-income families.

Click here for Coordinating Council documents

Data and Resources

Click here for website links and data

Back to top