Florida's Medicaid program provides dental benefits to low-income children.
The cost of health insurance can prove a burden for financially-strapped families who struggle to pay for daily living expenses. According to a report published by Families USA, more than 38 percent of Florida residents under age 65 were uninsured at some point between 2007 and 2008. The Medicaid and CHIP programs provide some relief to low-income families, and future federal tax credits will help make insurance affordable for all residents.
Medicaid
The Medicaid program in Florida consists of two regulating departments. Low-income families with children must consult with the Florida Department of Children and Families to determine whether they qualify for benefits. Applying families cannot have more than $2,000 in cash assets and cannot have household incomes that exceed 100 percent of the federal poverty limit. Families with incomes above the poverty limit may still enroll their children ages one to five in Medicaid so long as household income doesn't exceed 133 percent of the federal poverty limit. Infants under age one receive benefits with expanded income limits of 200 percent of the federal poverty limit.
CHIP
Florida's CHIP program operates under the name KidCare. Children who do not qualify for Medicaid due to household income can instead enroll in KidCare, which charges a low monthly premium that averages between $15 and $20 per month for most families. The program provides comprehensive coverage in exchange for small copayments at the time services are rendered. Florida's KidCare income limits cap at 200 percent for all children under age 19 that do not qualify for Medicaid.
Coverage
Florida's Medicaid program provides all of the federally-mandated Medicaid benefits, such as emergency transportation, diagnostic testing and physician services. However, the state also elects to provide additional benefits to its residents, including prescription drug coverage and hospice care. Children enrolled in Medicaid and KidCare have access to the same coverage as adults, as well as pediatric care, routine immunizations and comprehensive dental benefits.
Considerations
Since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act in March 2010, Florida accepted a federal grant of $1 million to begin research and formation of a state health insurance exchange. Affordable private health plans will be available through the exchange no later than January 1, 2014, at which time low and middle-income Florida residents without access to group coverage or Medicaid may purchase a plan from the exchange in return for a federal tax credit to help offset the costs of monthly premiums. The tax credits will be available to families with household incomes up to 400 percent of the federal poverty limit.
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