Page 30

State Children’s Health Insurance Program

Phase 1 Effective Date: April 1, 1998

Revised: 1/26/98, 2/19/98, 3/3/98, 3/6/98 Phase 2 Effective Date: July 1, 1998

Revised: 8/20/98, 8/24/98, 10/1/99, 7/28/00, 1/31/01, 7/02/02, 7/22/02, 1/3/03, 2/13/04, 9/27/04, 11/15/04, 8/11/05, 10/1/06, 7/1/09, 7/1/10, 7/1/11, 7/1/12 29 Department of Children and Families The Department of Children and Families has eligibility specialists out stationed at the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation (FHKC) and at three additional sites throughout the state. These specialists conduct Medicaid eligibility determinations on new applicants to the Florida KidCare program. The Department of Children and Families will also continue to conduct Medicaid eligibility determinations in its district offices . Families will have two ways to apply for Medicaid for their children: (1) using the traditional “Request for Assistance” form and process, or (2) using the Florida KidCare application. Request for Financial A family who chooses to apply for Medicaid for Assistance Application their children and other benefits, such as cash assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid eligibility for parents and other adults, will use the “Request for Financial Assistance” application form. Families who apply for multiple benefits will continue to make their applications through the local Department of Children and Families district offices. Florida KidCare A family who chooses to apply for children’s health Application insurance only, may complete the Florida KidCare application at the local Department of Children and Families district office. During an open enrollment period, the Florida KidCare application can also be mailed to FHKC in Tallahassee for processing. If a child is determined Medicaid eligible based on the Florida KidCare application or the Request for Financial Assistance application, the child will be enrolled in Medicaid. If the child is not Medicaid-eligible, the information is electronically transmitted to FHKC for Title XXI processing. The Department of Children and Families has modified its “loss of Medicaid eligibility” letters to families to inform them about the Florida KidCare program.

Children’s Medical Services Network and Children’s Mental Health Services Medical eligibility criteria for the CMSN include chronic physical and developmental conditions, and serious emotional disturbances, as identified by the Department of Children and Families, Children’s Mental Health program. Children enrolled in the CMSN will receive the same benefits as those offered through the Medicaid program.