Florida KidCare: CHIP coverage for children
Last verified: June 2026
Apply at floridakidcare.org — one application covers all four KidCare components
Florida Healthy Kids is a separate CHIP program — not part of Medicaid
What Florida KidCare is and how it works
Florida KidCare is the umbrella program for children's health coverage in Florida. It includes four components serving different age groups and income levels, per AHCA and the Florida KidCare program evaluation report:
Medicaid for Children (ages 0–18, lower incomes)
Administered by DCF and AHCA. No premiums. Covers children in households below 133% FPL (children ages 1–5) or 200% FPL (children under age 1). This component is Medicaid, not CHIP.
MediKids (ages 1–4, slightly higher incomes)
Covers children ages 1–4 whose family income is between the Medicaid threshold and 200% FPL. Funded with CHIP Title XXI dollars. Small premiums may apply at higher income levels.
Florida Healthy Kids (ages 5–18)
The CHIP program for school-age children. Covers children ages 5–18 up to 210% FPL. Sliding-scale premiums apply. Administered by the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation under contract with AHCA.
Children's Medical Services (CMS) Plan
Covers children with special health care needs who meet specific clinical criteria, including children with chronic conditions. Part of the KidCare umbrella but serves a distinct population.
Who qualifies for Florida Healthy Kids (CHIP)?
Florida Healthy Kids covers children who meet all of these requirements:
- Age 5 through 18 (for the Florida Healthy Kids component)
- Florida resident
- Household income between the Medicaid limit and 210% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Child is uninsured or has had a gap in employer-sponsored coverage (crowd-out rules apply)
- U.S. citizen, national, or eligible immigration status
The income limit is 210% FPL. Per the AHCA Florida KidCare program evaluation report, "for families who exceed the 210% limit, an additional 5% income deduction is applied, resulting in an effective eligibility ceiling of approximately 215% FPL." Above that threshold, children are not eligible for subsidized KidCare, but a full-pay option is available.
Premiums for Florida Healthy Kids (2025)
Premiums are charged per child per month and vary by income. Source: Florida KidCare 2025 General Annual Income Guidelines (floridakidcare.org).
| Income range | Monthly premium (per child) | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 133% FPL | $0 | Medicaid |
| 133.01%–158% FPL | $15/month | MediKids / Florida Healthy Kids |
| 158.01%–200% FPL | $20/month | MediKids / Florida Healthy Kids |
| 200.01%–210% FPL | Full pay (~$276/month) | Florida Healthy Kids full pay |
Source: Florida KidCare 2025 General Annual Income Guidelines, floridakidcare.org. Full-pay premium is approximately $276/month for Florida Healthy Kids. MediKids full-pay premium is approximately $248/month. These are per-child monthly rates; verify current premiums at floridakidcare.org before enrolling.
What Florida Healthy Kids covers
Children enrolled in Florida Healthy Kids receive coverage that includes:
- Doctor office visits — primary care and specialist
- Preventive care and well-child visits
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
- Emergency room and urgent care
- Prescription drugs on the formulary
- Mental health and behavioral health services
- Vision care — routine eye exams and glasses
- Dental coverage through the SMMC Dental Program
Children under 21 in any Florida KidCare component that uses Medicaid funding are entitled to EPSDT benefits — all medically necessary services, which is a broader standard than what appears in the standard benefit list. Florida Healthy Kids plans may have copays for some services; the amounts depend on income level and plan terms.
How to apply for Florida KidCare
Two application paths exist. The Florida KidCare portal at floridakidcare.org handles applications specifically for the KidCare program. The DCF MyACCESS portal at myaccess.myflfamilies.com evaluates children for all programs simultaneously — Medicaid, MediKids, and Florida Healthy Kids — with a single application.
If you apply through MyACCESS and your child is income-eligible for Medicaid (lower income), they will be enrolled in Medicaid automatically. If the child's income exceeds the Medicaid threshold but falls within the KidCare range, DCF routes the application to Florida KidCare.
For questions, call the Florida KidCare program at 1-888-540-5437. Applications can also be submitted at DCF Family Resource Centers.
Children in Medicaid pay no premiums and generally no copays
Florida KidCare: four programs, one application
Florida KidCare is an umbrella brand covering four distinct health coverage programs for children. Which program a child receives depends on age, income, and other factors — all determined through one application:
Medicaid for Children
Full Medicaid coverage; no premiums. For children who meet standard Medicaid income limits (up to 133–200% FPL by age). Covers the full benefit package including EPSDT.
MediKids
For children ages 1–4 whose family income is between Medicaid limits and 200% FPL. Low monthly premiums ($15–$20/month). Same benefit package as Medicaid for Children.
Florida Healthy Kids (CHIP proper)
Title XXI CHIP for children ages 5–18. Income limit up to 210% FPL. Premiums range from $15/month (133–158% FPL) to $20/month (158–200% FPL), with full-premium buy-in for some above 200% FPL. Comprehensive benefits including dental and vision.
Children's Medical Services (CMS) Plan
Specialty managed care for children with significant special health care needs (SSHCNs). Focused on coordinating complex, long-term care. Enrollment is managed by AHCA through the CMS network.
What Florida KidCare covers
- Well-child visits and preventive care — immunizations, vision and hearing screenings
- Doctor visits, urgent care, and emergency room
- Hospital inpatient care
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Dental care — routine exams, cleanings, X-rays, and fillings (through dental MCO)
- Vision care — eye exams and eyeglasses
- Specialist visits
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Medical equipment when medically necessary
Florida KidCare vs CHIP in other large states
| Feature | Florida KidCare | Texas CHIP | New York (CHP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income limit (subsidized) | 210% FPL | ~201% FPL | 400% FPL |
| Monthly premium (entry level) | $15/month | $50/year | $0 below 160% FPL |
| Copays | Minimal | $3–$35 | None |
| Dental included | Yes (MCO) | Yes (MCNA) | Yes (full) |
| Immigration status | Lawful residents | Lawful residents | All children |
Comparison approximate as of 2025. Verify current premiums and benefit details at floridakidcare.org or nystateofhealth.ny.gov.