Florida state legislatures are planning to file legislation this year that will extend state-subsidized health coverage for more children across the state. Currently, KidCare – Florida’s health program for children – is sponsored by the state of Florida as well as the national government.
However, KidCare does not cover health insurance policies for children of legal immigrants who have been in the U.S. for fewer than five years. Because the federal government would not pay for children of immigrants who have been in the U.S. for fewer than five years, the Florida government also excluded coverage for the children in 2004.
With the passage of the proposed legislation, KidCare will extend health coverage to those children as well as to children of state employees in Florida. The new legislation is expected to be filed in response to the federal government’s agreement to help pay for the increased coverage to children of immigrants who were previously uncovered.
