TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Following extensive conversations in Washington, Congress today passed a six-year reauthorization package to continue the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). In doing so, Congress has extended access to affordable, quality health and dental insurance to more than 340,000 Florida kids who currently have CHIP coverage.
Florida Healthy Kids Board Chair Wendy Link said, “Today’s news is a big win for Florida families, and I thank Congress for their long-term commitment to kids across our country. Our kids deserve nothing less than the safety and security of good health, and I am proud of Florida’s efforts to advocate on behalf of this critical program.”
Florida Healthy Kids Corporation CEO Rebecca Matthews said, “Florida has made great strides to reduce its uninsured rate, and we are excited to continue our work to get all kids covered. I encourage Florida parents to visit floridakidcare.org or call 1-888-540-KIDS to apply for coverage today.”
Also contained within the bill was a provision that safeguards the Corporation’s ability to offer the same child-centered insurance plan at an affordable rate to parents whose combined household income exceeds the CHIP qualification amount. Upon President Trump’s signature, the Corporation will work with the Florida legislature to obtain funding to offer more affordable coverage to full-pay families.