Florida Families Await Health Insurance Relief for Disabled Children

Florida families with disabled children are facing challenges in securing adequate health insurance due to delays in the implementation of KidCare expansion. In 2023, Florida legislators passed a bill to increase eligibility for subsidized KidCare from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level, effective in 2024. However, delays stem from an ongoing lawsuit against the federal government regarding new CMS rules that require states to provide 12 months of coverage. As families like Erin Booth's await reformed coverage, many children continue to suffer due to lack of access to necessary therapies.

Representative Robin Bartleman highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting the plight of families calling for health insurance for their children. The expansion intended to provide a sliding scale for premiums, reduce coverage gaps and address the healthcare needs of children with disabilities. Yet, families affected by a recent Medicaid redetermination process are largely still left without coverage, exacerbating their precarious situations.

Providers and advocates argue that the state is violating federal mandates by not complying with the new coverage rules, risking significant federal funding for the state’s CHIP program. As families continue to advocate for their children’s health needs, the Florida government faces scrutiny over the handling of health system reforms and litigation that hampers necessary expansions.