Baptist Health of Northeast Florida - Florida KidCare Open Enrollment Low-cost Health Insurance

Florida KidCare Open Enrollment Scheduled For January 2005

Updated 01/03/2005

Enrollment Details

Application will only be accepted during open-enrollment period (January 1st through January 30th).
A one-page application and income documentation must be sent to Healthy Kids during open enrollment period.
Coverage cannot begin until eligibility has been determined and the full premium amount has been received.
Most families pay either $15 or $20 per family per month; however some families pay more.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Northeast Florida health providers, schools and numerous community organizations are teaming up with Florida Healthy Kids and KidCare to inform families about the 30-day open enrollment period for low-cost affordable health insurance through the KidCare program. From January 1 through the 30th, applications will be accepted from working families with uninsured children birth through 18 years of age, who are not eligible for Medicaid.

We're working very hard to get the word out about the 30-day enrollment period because no application can be processed after January 30, 2005," said Thomas Chiu, M.D., Director of Children's Medical Services, "Affordable, quality health insurance is very important for kids to stay healthy, so families need to act fast."

The 2004 Florida Legislature increased funding for Florida KidCare to cover eligible children, however new documentation requirements were added to increase accountability of the program. Florida's Healthy Kids and KidCare program provides affordable healthcare coverage for families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford private coverage. For example, a family of four with at least one uninsured child and earning $37,700 or less a year can be eligible for the program.

"Families with uninsured children have far less access to health care resources and are often sicker than insured children," said Jeff Goldhagen, M.D., Director of the Duval County Health Department. "Every eligible family needs to take advantage of this limited enrollment opportunity."

During the 30-day open enrollment period, parents must complete and send a one-page application form, with income documentation attached, to Florida Healthy Kids and KidCare. Applications received after the open enrollment period cannot be enrolled. KidCare coverage cannot begin until eligibility has been determined and the required premium amount has been received. Most eligible families pay $15 or $20 per month; however some families may pay more.