Florida Health Insurance for
Children & Students

There are a number of alternatives for child-only health plans in Florida. The state of Florida has an excellent program for lower income families and many companies offer more than adequate PPO plans for children.

Florida also distinguishes itself with strict laws concerning child well-care visits. College age children (who are full time students) can elect to stay on their parent's plans or obtain low-cost plans designed specifically for students.

This site will discuss the options available for Florida Child-Only health insurance.

Florida Health Insurance For Children

Can a child have their own health insurance plan?

Most insurance carriers have provisions for a child-only plan and provide the agents instructions for filling out the forms and rating the child(ren). The parent or guardian is listed as the applicant and signs the application. Providing children with their own plan has become very popular due to the high cost of adding dependents to a group policy. In many instances private Florida children's health insurance plans are less expensive to obtain then paying the cost of adding them to an existing group health insurance plan.

What about coverage for a newborn?

From the Florida Statutes: "A health insurance policy that provides coverage on an expense-incurred basis for a member of the family of the insured or subscriber shall, as to the family member's coverage, also provide that the health insurance benefits applicable for children will be payable with respect to a newborn child of the insured or subscriber, or covered family member of the insured or subscriber, from the moment of birth. However, with respect to a newborn child of a covered family member other than the spouse of the insured or subscriber, the coverage for the newborn child terminates 18 months after the birth of the newborn child."

In other words, if a Florida health insurance plan covers any member of the family, then the newborn is automatically eligible for coverage at birth. However, if the baby is born to a family member other than the insured or their spouse (i.e., your daughter has a baby), coverage for the baby terminates after 18 months. This is the reason that nobody in the immediately family is eligible to apply for a new health insurance plan while someone in the family is pregnant. The insurance carrier would have to insure the newborn regardless of its health.

How long can a child stay on a parent's plan?

If the child is not a full time student, most plans terminate coverage at 18 years of age. If the child continues school on a full time basis, they may stay on the plan longer. Each plan sets their own limits but it seems to fall somewhere between 23 and 25 years of age.

If a child is handicapped and remains a dependent, they may stay on the policy indefinitely.

Florida health insurance for children - laws concerning well care for children?

The state of Florida does not permit the insurance carrier to impose a deductible for child well-care vists. The particular statue says:

"physical examination, a developmental assessment and anticipatory guidance, and appropriate immunizations and laboratory tests. Such services and periodic visits shall be provided in accordance with prevailing medical standards consistent with the Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care of the American Academy of Pediatrics."

This rule applies to children at the following ages: 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 18 months, 2 years, 30 months, 3 years and every year until age 16.

What are the special health insurance programs that Florida offers?

Please keep in mind that most of these programs have income limitations. Complete details can be found at

Florida health insurance for children - KidCare Medicaid
KidCare Medicaid is a benefits-rich package for eligible children, 0 through 18, whose family income is within certain limits. Children can now enroll in Medicaid through Florida KidCare, with no personal interview involved.

There is no cost to families for KidCare Medicaid. Parents or guardians of enrolled children have different options when selecting a managed care program. They may choose a health maintenance organization (HMO) or MediPass, a primary care case management (PCCM) program. The Choice Counseling program helps families make this important decision.

Title XXI (the federal Child Health Insurance Program) raised the Medicaid income limits for some Florida children. Before Title XXI, teens age 15 through 20 had to be living at or below 28% of the federal poverty level (FPL). After Title XXI, the percentage became 100% of FPL.

Florida health insurance for children - MediKids
MediKids offers the same benefits-rich package as KidCare Medicaid but is not an entitlement program. It is for children ages 1 through 4 who are not Medicaid-eligible. Family income can be up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

A family's monthly premium for MediKids is $15. There are no costs for services. Families have a choice of health care providers and state-contracted HMOs.

Florida health insurance for children - Florida Healthy Kids
Florida Healthy Kids (FHK) is a public/private partnership that provides comprehensive health insurance for school-age children (ages 5 through 18). Younger brothers and sisters of enrolled children are also covered in some parts of the state. Florida Healthy Kids is available in most counties and will soon be statewide.

Most families pay $15 per month per family. Families that earn more than the maximum income may buy FHK insurance at full price - if their children are otherwise eligible.

There is no cost for well-child care. Some services have small copayments, such as $3 for prescriptions and $10 for eyeglasses.

Coverage is provided through commercially licensed insurers.

Florida Healthy Kids does not enroll children all year. It has certain "open enrollment periods" (with deadlines) when new children may enroll. Also, each county can accept a limited number of children. Families should submit a Florida KidCare application right away. If a deadline is past or the program is full and your child is eligible, we will let you know and put your child on the list for the next open enrollment period.

Children's Medical Services Network
The Children's Medical Services Network (CMS Network) is a health plan for children under age 19 with special, on-going health care needs, such as spina bifida, leukemia, diabetes, and behavioral health problems. It provides medical services, therapies, supplies, or equipment.

A monthly premium of $15 is usually required. There is no cost for services. CMS Network physicians, hospitals, and other providers are specially qualified to work with children with special health care needs.

The Behavioral Health Specialty Care Network (BHSCN) works in partnership with the CMS Network to provide comprehensive behavioral health services (mental health and substance abuse) to children with severe needs. Services are delivered by provider networks that contract with the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Florida Health Insurance For Students

Many universities offer student health insurance plans. These plan are offered through a private carrier and frequently offer less than adequate coverage for relatively low cost. The old adage "you get what you pay for" certainly rings true in this case. Please examine the limitations of any plan that is offered your child through a school. Pay close attention to the maximum amounts they will pay for an injury or sickness.

There is one well known carrier that markets a student health plan that will accept anyone as long as they are a full time student. The best thing about this plan is that there are no health questions and you can hold on to the plan until you are 65. While the coverage is decent, a student should consider the purchase of a traditional PPO plan. The reason being that this "student" health insurance plan sets it limits lower than the other plans this company offers. It is very bare bones but might fit your needs and budget.

Nevertheless, a standard PPO plan offers coverage throughout the United States, has high lifetime limits and since the applicant is usually young and healthy, a relatively low cost. The bottom line is that you do not need a special student plan. Get a quote for a 19 year old and not a 19 year old student. You will end up with a better plan.

Additional Links for Child Health Services

Florida Agencies

National Sites