| By :
Wiley Long
Florida state legislatures are planning to file legislation this year that will extend state-subsidized health coverage for more children across the state. Currently, KidCare - Florida's state-sponsored health program for children - is sponsored by the state of Florida as well as the national government. However, KidCare does not cover health insurance policies for children of legal immigrants who have been in the U.S. for fewer than five years. Because the federal government would not pay for children of immigrants who have been in the U.S. for fewer than five years, the Florida government also excluded coverage for the children in 2004. With the passage of the proposed legislation, KidCare will extend health coverage to those children as well as to children of state employees in Florida. The new legislation is expected to be filed in response to the federal government's agreement to help pay for the increased coverage to children of immigrants who were previously uncovered. However, the federal government is not in agreement to help pay for health insurance for children of state workers unless they are also eligible for Medicaid coverage. Many state workers make too much money to be eligible for Medicaid coverage, but do not make enough money to be able to easily afford to pay for health coverage for themselves and their families. According to Karen Woodall, a children's advocate, the federal government assumes that states will pay government workers enough to cover health care for their children, or offer them insurance. In Florida, that's not always the case. The proposed legislation is bipartisan and is being drafted by Democrat Sen. Nan Rich and Republican Rep. Jimmy Patronis. While the legislation does extend coverage to children of immigrants, the legislation does not extend coverage to children of illegal immigrants, who will still be ineligible for any state health care coverage. In addition to providing coverage to children of state employees and legal immigrants, the legislation will also increase eligibility for Medicaid to include pregnant women who are making up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level limit. As the legislation currently stands, pregnant women who make up to 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible to have Medicaid cover only some prenatal and post partum health care expenses. Florida residents shouldn't wait for legislation to get health insurance While legislation is being developed to cover more children by the state-sponsored health plan in Florida, many Florida residents should investigate private health insurance options for their children. There are hundreds of different health insurance plans and health rates available to Florida residents. Health insurance providers offer many different types of health insurance plans to their members, which vary based on coverage, rates, and type of plan. In order for consumers to get a plan that covers their specific healthcare concerns at rates they can afford, it is important for all consumers in Florida to research available plans at least once a year with a qualified health insurance advisor. With New Year already begun, Florida residents should take time now to review their current health insurance plans and options with a qualified health insurance advisor, as there are frequent changes to health insurance plans, availability, and terms. Working with the right health insurance advisor can help Florida residents find the best health insurance plan for their needs, lifestyle, and budget - with or without state sponsorship.
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