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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 69 elements, such as new questions for screening children who may be eligible for the Children’s Medical Services Network (CMS). The application has been revised in 2004 and 2005 to include documentation requirements, access to employer-sponsored insurance information, and the 120 day limit on the application process. The application was again revised in 2009 to incorporate policy changes and to make the application more informative and user-friendly. Families also continue to have the option of applying for children’s health benefits only on the Florida KidCare application or for applying for cash assistance and Medicaid on the “Request for Assistance” form, or through the Department of Children and Families’ on-line Access application. State law specified the development of a simplified application process. Families using the Florida KidCare application mail their applications to the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation for processing by the TPA. Applications are available at a variety of locations year round or by calling the Florida KidCare toll-free hotline at 1-888-540-5437. Additionally, applications can be downloaded from either the Florida KidCare web page or the Healthy Kids web page as described below. Beginning February 2006, an online KidCare application was available through the Healthy Kids website. There are links to the online application from the Florida KidCare website and from the Department of Children and Families’ online application website. Effective June 10, 2005, applications for the Florida KidCare Program will be accepted year-round for the purpose of enrolling children eligible for all Title XXI program components. Children will be enrolled on a first-completed, first-served basis using the date the application is received. Enrollment shall cease when the enrollment ceiling is reached. Enrollment may resume when the Social Services Estimating Conference determines sufficient federal and state funds are available to finance the increased enrollment through federal fiscal year 2007. KidCare Information Line The Florida Department of Health transitioned its toll-free telephone line (1- 888-540- KIDS) to the Agency for Health Care Administration effective July 1, 2003, so that families can continue to receive assistance with obtaining applications and answers to questions about the Florida KidCare program. Effective July 1, 2004, the function of the toll-free information line was transferred to FHKC. The toll-free number is published in all Florida KidCare printed materials. Marketing materials remaining from the Department of Health are available to all community organizations for a nominal shipping charge, as supplies last. The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation has contracted this service out to a call center