While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides comprehensive free or low-cost healthcare benefits to children whose parents or guardians do not qualify for Medicaid. CHIP is a federal program, and each state/territory has flexibility to design their own CHIP program within federal guidelines. Therefore, CHIP benefits may differ in each state/territory.
CHIP benefits may include annual check-ups, hospital visits, dental insurance, vision insurance and more. All services are provided through medical providers that participate in the CHIP program. Not all doctors and medical facilities accept CHIP patients.
Learn more about CHIP benefits here.
The Florida state CHIP program is called the Florida KidCare. It is administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). For more information about the Florida KidCare, click here.
A child may receive CHIP benefits in Florida for as long as he or she qualifies for the program. A participant’s qualifications are determined by their age and their household’s monthly gross income. To learn more about eligibility and qualifying for the Florida KidCare, click here.
If a child is eligible for CHIP, the following services will be covered:
Other services may also be covered depending on the child’s needs.
For more information about the services covered and what medical assistance you can receive, call the Health Coverage Assistance line at 1 (888) 540-5437 or review the Florida CHIP brochure here.
To qualify for CHIP in Florida, a child must meet the following criteria:
For more information on Florida’s household income limits and other eligibility criteria to qualify for CHIP, click here.
Depending on your gross household income, the premium may be $15 to $20 per month per child covered by the Florida KidCare in your household.
When your child receives covered medical services, your copay will be $5 to $10 per visit.
For more information on the cost of CHIP benefits in Florida, visit the Florida KidCare Premium page here. Or call the Florida KidCare Call Center line at 1 (888) 540-5437.
Before applying for the Florida KidCare, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
To apply for CHIP online, you can create an account through the FloridaKidCare benefit portal here.
To apply for CHIP by phone, call 1 (888) 540-5437.
To apply for CHIP by mail, fill out the Family-Related Medical Assistance Application found here and send it to the following address:
ACCESS Central Mail Center
P.O. Box 1770
Ocala, FL 344-1770
For a copy of the Application for Assistance in Spanish, click here.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
Arkansas has a 2-month waiting period before uninsured children are eligible for CHIP coverage. Certain individuals are exempt from this period including children with special health care needs or those who have exhausted coverage under COBRA.
You will receive a determination letter in the mail notifying you of your eligibility for CHIP within6 weeks of applying. This timeline may be extended if the Department of Children and Families requires more information from you to process your application.
If approved for CHIP, you will be sent a Florida Health Insurance Identification Card by mail.
For more information about what happens after you apply for the Florida KidCare, you can click here or contact the Florida KidCare Call Center line at 1 (888) 540-5437.
If you do not agree with the Florida Department of Children and Families’ decision to deny you CHIP benefits, you can file an appeal within 90 days of when you receive your eligibility determination in the mail.
You can file your appeal by mail or by fax to the Health Insurance Marketplace.
To send your appeal by fax, fill out the appeal form here and dial 1 (877) 369-0130.
To send your appeal by mail, complete the appeal form and send it to the following address:
Health Insurance Marketplace
Attn: Appeals
465 Industrial Blvd.
London, KY 40750-0061
After submitting your appeal, you will receive a decision by mail or email within 30 days.
If you have any further questions regarding the appeals process, you can contact the Marketplace Appeals Center at 1 (855) 231-1751. Or, you can contact the Florida KidCare Call Center line at 1 (888) 540-5437.
To transfer your child from your current insurance to CHIP benefits, you will need to contact your current health insurance provider and ask a representative to discontinue their insurance coverage.
You can find your insurance company’s customer service number on your health insurance card.
If you have any questions about the insurance transfer process, contact the federal health insurance marketplace at HealthCare.org or by phone at 1 (800) 318-2596.
If you have any further questions about the Florida KidCare or CHIP, call the Florida KidCare Call Center line at 1 (888) 540-5437.
You can also contact your local Florida Department of Children and Families office for assistance. Find your nearest office location and contact information here.
Florida KidCare Call Center is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
For additional inquiries, you can call the Florida Department of Children and Families at 1 (850) 487-1111.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Children’s Health Insurance Program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free CHIP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
