Florida's KidCare Program provides prescription drug benefits for qualifying children.
As of 2009, Florida was home to more than 17 million people, but more than one in five of them were uninsured, as reported by The Kaisier Family Foundation. To close the gap and extend coverage to more Florida residents, the state participates in several affordable state and federally-funded health care options for low-income and medically needy individuals.
Medicaid
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration regulates Florida's Medicaid program, though the Social Security Administration and the Florida Department of Children and Families determines individual eligibility. Florida residents can qualify for health insurance coverage under the program by proving eligibility based on income or medical need. Those who qualify receive free health services from participating providers that includes hospital care, emergency care, primary care, prescription drug coverage and an assortment of other preventive, diagnostic and treatment services.
KidCare
KidCare is a state-run health insurance program for children in Florida. There are four divisions of KidCare based on age and health needs, and the fourth division includes children's Medicaid. KidCare provides comprehensive health coverage, like dental and vision services, in addition to primary and hospital care. Only children under age 19 qualify for the program, and eligibility depends on income. With the exception of children enrolled in the Medicaid division of KidCare, enrollment in the program requires a low monthly premium dependent on income. According to FloridaKidCare.org, most families pay between $15 and $20 per month.
PCIP
In 2010, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act began to take effect, requiring that U.S. states either create a pre-existing condition insurance pool, or PCIP, or else participate in the federal PCIP. Florida decided to participate in the federal version that provides health insurance options to individuals who cannot purchase health insurance due to an existing medical condition. To qualify, you must have been denied insurance due to a pre-existing condition and be uninsured for at least six months prior to applying for inclusion in the PCIP. If accepted, you can choose among three health insurance options, with premiums varying by age and the type of insurance you select but not based on your pre-existing condition. As of 2011, Florida PCIP premiums were between $196 and $842 per month.
Future Health Insurance Exchanges
The 2010 health reform law also includes a provision that will set up health insurance exchanges in each U.S. state beginning in 2014. The exchanges will include an assortment of private health insurance options, and the federal government encourages each state to organize and regulate its own exchanges. As of April 2011, Florida is one of three states choosing to opt out of the state insurance exchange. If there is no state exchange by January 2013, the federal government will provide a federally-organized health insurance exchange for Florida residents.
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