Florida Kidcare Insurance Update for 2023

Sydney Mitchell:

Hi. My name is Sydney Mitchell.

Matthew Brickman:

Hi, I’m Matthew Brickman, Florida Supreme court mediator. Welcome to the Mediate This! Podcast where we discuss everything mediation and conflict resolution.

(00:13):
In the state of Florida in 2023. There have been a number of changes when it comes to family law and family law related issues. Um, one that I wanna quickly touch on is, uh, house Bill 1, 2, 1, which dealt with, um, it’s the act relating to Florida Kid Care Program. The Kid Care program is the medical insurance provided through the state of Florida, uh, for children. And there were was a couple of changes in, uh, kid care, not too much. So this episode’s not gonna be too long. Um, but one of the things that, uh, they did is they made it to where it’s, uh, it’s more inclusive of the general population. So it says for eligibility, um, this is what it did say, and this is what it changed. All it changed was a percentage, but it’s a pretty big, pretty big thing. So it says A child who has attained the age of one year, but who is under the age of five years is eligible to enroll in the Medic Kids program component of the Florida Kid Care Program.

(01:14):
If the child is a member of a family that has a family income, which exceeds the Medicaid applicable income level as specified in section 4 0 9 0.903, but which is equal to or below 200% of the current federal poverty level, what was changed was they increased that to now say, but which is equal to or below 300% of the current federal poverty level. So that’s a big change. It went from 200 to 300%. Also under, um, section 4 0 9 8 1 4 for eligibility. A child who has not reached 19 years of age whose family income is equal to or below it was 200. But now 300% of the federal poverty level is eligible for the Florida Kid Care program is provided in this section. So again, from age one until 19, it was 200% of the federal poverty level would create eligibility, and now it’s been increased to 300%.

(02:30):
The other change in this section, um, that was made was in determining the eligibility of a child. An assets test is not required. That was, that was what was, and that’s still there. But what they added, if eligibility for the Florida Kid Care Program cannot be verified using reliable data sources in accordance with federal requirements that was added, then each applicant shall provide documentation during the application process and the redetermination process include, but not limited to the following. So it’s the proof of family income, which is one a statement from all applicable employed family members, um, to enroll the Children’s Medical Services Network, a completed application including a clin clinical screening. Um, and then it goes on to, um, a few other things, but no, no changes in the statute. It’s still the same. Um, and then one other change that they had was premiums.

(03:42):
This was added premiums for enrollees paying enrollment fees, premiums and co-payments, deductibles, co-insurance or similar charges as provided in this subsection shall be based on at least three, but no more than six tiers of uniform premiums that increase with each tier as a percentage of the applicable threshold amount of the federal poverty level by, uh, tier. So again, that has to do then with increasing from the 200 to 300. Um, so not a whole lot of changes. Um, when it comes to Florida Kid Care Program in the state of Florida, the biggest change is it does now increase from 200% to 300% of the current poverty level, um, to help make sure that children have medical insurance in the state of Florida. If you’ve got any specific questions regarding KidCare and your specific case, please seek legal advice. If you need a referral for an attorney, you can always contact me and I can give you a referral.

Matthew Brickman:
Occasionally Sydney and I will be releasing Q & A bonus episodes where we will answer questions and give you a personal shout out.

Sydney Mitchell:
If you have a comment or question regarding anything that we discuss, email us at info@ichatmediation.com that’s info@ichatmediation.com and stay tuned to hear your shout out and have your question answered here on the show.

Matthew Brickman:

For more information about my services or to schedule your mediation with me, either in person or using my iChatMediation Virtual Platform built by Cisco Communications. Visit me online at www.iMediateInc.com. Call me at 561-262-9121, Toll-Free at 877-822-1479 or email me at MBrickman@iChatMediation.com.