Floridian families can apply for health care assistance at the Florida Department of Children and Families.
The high cost of health care coverage can be out of reach for low-income families trying to make ends meet. Florida administers federal Medicaid and other public health programs aimed at individuals who don't have access to affordable medical insurance benefits. Eligibility is based largely on household income level. Floridians can apply for different types of health care assistance through the Florida Department of Children and Families (FDCF).
Low Income Families With Children
Medicaid is available for children and the parents or caregiver relatives who live with them, as well as pregnant women with or without other children. Such families may be eligible for Medicaid if the household's income remains below prescribed income limits and collective assets are not more than $2,000. Those who are eligible for temporary cash assistance are automatically eligible for Medicaid, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Children Only
When parents and caretakers are not eligible for Medicaid, their uninsured kids (under 19) can sometimes receive Medicaid, depending on family income, reports the FDCF. Children with Medicaid can then enroll in the Child Health Check-up Program, which offers routine health checkups, dental screenings, immunizations and other medical services.
The Florida KidCare program also provides medical assistance for children only. If children don't qualify for Medicaid due to family income, the application will be automatically sent to Florida Healthy Kids (FHK). According to the FDCF website, FHK covers otherwise eligible children with income less than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Florida KidCare insurance assigns kids to different insurance programs based on age group.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women have three options when applying for Medicaid, according to the FDCF website. They can apply for temporary coverage for prenatal care only, which will be provided by local clinics. They can sign up for simplified "full coverage," designed for pregnant women only. And the third option is to apply for "regular" Medicaid, including other family members. Some women may qualify for the Medically Needy Program if their family income exceeds the Medicaid limit.
Other
Emergency Medicaid for Aliens covers non-citizens who would be qualified to receive Medicaid if they were citizens. Applicants must have a proof from a medical professional that certifies the treatment was given under serious emergency circumstances.
SSI-related Medicaid is given to eligible applicants who are disabled or over age 65. Floridians who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible to receive Medicaid from the Social Security Administration.
Public or Free Clinics
Free clinics or public health centers throughout Florida offer basic medical care services for free or for a sliding scale fee to low-income patients. Some offer diagnostic tests and prescriptions at a considerable discount. One example is Shepherd's Hope medical clinics, which provide basic, acute, non-emergency medical care for patients who do not have a regular source of health care. These clinics are meant to be a temporary health care solution and do not typically handle emergencies.
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