FL KidCare is Florida's umbrella program for children's health insurance, covering kids from birth through age 18 who don't have affordable private insurance. It brings together Medicaid for children, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and MediKids under a single application portal. If you have children and your family income isn't high enough to easily afford private insurance—or even if it is—FL KidCare is worth checking out.
The Four Programs Under FL KidCare
| Program | Age | Income Range (FPL) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid for children | Birth–18 | 0–100% FPL | No cost |
| MediKids | 1–4 years | 101–200% FPL | Small monthly premium |
| Children's Medical Services Network | Birth–18 (special needs) | Varies | Varies |
| Healthy Kids (CHIP) | 5–18 years | 101–200% FPL | Low monthly premium |
Income Eligibility in Plain Numbers
For 2026, Florida's federal poverty level thresholds work out approximately as follows for a family of four:
- 100% FPL: ~$32,150/year
- 150% FPL: ~$48,225/year
- 200% FPL: ~$64,300/year
Children in families earning up to 200% FPL are eligible for FL KidCare's low-cost programs. Above 200% FPL, children don't qualify for KidCare (except in some special circumstances) but may be eligible for marketplace plans with subsidies.
What FL KidCare Covers
FL KidCare provides comprehensive coverage, including:
- Well-child visits (preventive care on the standard schedule)
- Immunizations
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Hospital stays
- Emergency care
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health services
- Dental and vision (Medicaid; CHIP benefits vary by plan)
- Laboratory and X-ray services
How to Apply
You can apply for FL KidCare:
- Online: At floridakidcare.org
- By phone: 1-888-540-5437
- By mail: Request an application from the phone line above
- In person: At your local Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) office
You'll need your child's birth certificate, Social Security number, and proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other income documentation). There is no enrollment deadline—you can apply at any time of year.
What Happens After You Apply
After submitting your application, Florida KidCare typically processes it within 45 days. If your child is found eligible for Medicaid, coverage is typically retroactive to the application date. For CHIP (Healthy Kids), there may be a short waiting period for enrollment. Your child will be assigned to a Medicaid managed care plan or Healthy Kids plan, and you'll receive an insurance card.
FL KidCare eligibility is based on the child's situation, not the parents'. Even if you as a parent are uninsured or don't qualify for marketplace subsidies, your children may still qualify for FL KidCare coverage at little or no cost.
Our advisors can help you determine whether your children qualify for FL KidCare or whether a marketplace family plan would provide better coverage. Call or get a free consultation.