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Health Department Reminding Parents Of Florida KidCare
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Published: August 6, 2008
New Port Richey - As families start putting together their back-to-school to-do lists, the Pasco County Health Department has joined Florida KidCare to remind parents to add one more item: health insurance for their children.
Florida KidCare is the state's health insurance program for uninsured children under age 19. The program offers working families access to high-quality doctors and preventative care for their children at a low cost. Started in 1998, KidCare now covers more than 250,000 children statewide.
While the new school year is used as a focus to draw parents' attention, KidCare accepts applications year-round from families with uninsured children under the age of 19. Families can apply online 24-hours a day on the Florida KidCare Web site at www.floridakidcare.org, where they can also get more information and printable applications available in English, Spanish and Creole. Families can find out what documents they'll need to submit to verify eligibility.
Florida KidCare actually includes four different parts, or programs, MediKids, Healthy Kids, Children's Medical Services and Medicaid. When families fill out an application, Florida KidCare will check which program children may be eligible for based on age, family income and in some cases special health care needs.
Services provided through Florida KidCare include doctor visits, checkups and shots, hospital stays, surgery, prescriptions, emergencies,vision and hearing, dental and mental health treatment.
There is no charge for Medicaid for children KidCare Medicaid. For other Florida KidCare programs, monthly premiums depend on a household's size and income. Most families pay $15 or $20 a month. Children who are members of a federally recognized American Indian, Alaskan Native or Canadian Indian tribe may qualify for no-cost Florida KidCare coverage.
In some cases, there are occasionally small co-payments for specific services.
"Working families with uninsured children should be given every opportunity to enroll in KidCare," said County Health Officer Dr. David Johnson. "We're in contact with these families regularly and we always encourage families to complete the application for this quality healthcare program."
Parents who have already enrolled children in Florida KidCare are reminded that they must reenroll annually.
In addition to the Web site, parents can also call, toll free, 1-888-540-5437 to receive an application or get more information about KidCare. Applications are also available at the Pasco County Health Department, 10841 Little Road, New Port Richey.
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