Paying For Care
Florida KidCare
Florida KidCare provides health coverage for children under 19 who live in Florida through four programs: Medicaid, MediKids, Florida Healthy Kids, and the CMS Plan.
There is no income cutoff to apply. Families who earn too much to qualify for subsidized coverage may still be able to enroll at the full cost, which can be less expensive than other private coverage options.
Monthly premiums vary based on your child’s age, household size, and income. Use the cost calculator at FloridaKidCare.org to see what your family may pay.
Children's Medical Services
A Medicaid managed-care plan for children with special health care needs, from birth through age 20. The plan offers broader coverage for children with complex medical conditions than standard Medicaid plans.
Your child may qualify through a clinical screening or if a physician confirms qualifying medical conditions. If you’re not sure whether your child qualifies, you can request a screening or ask for a re-screening at any time.
Clinical eligibility: 1-855-901-5390
Questions: 850-245-4200 or CMSPlan@flhealth.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Generate excitement
Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) provides services and supports for people with certain developmental disabilities that began before age 18.
The eligibility requirements are specific. Qualifying disabilities include autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, and spina bifida. A traumatic brain injury by itself does not automatically qualify a child for APD services. However, if your child’s injury resulted in an intellectual disability, it may be worth applying and talking with your child’s care team about whether APD could be an option.
APD services can have long wait times, so it may be worth applying early even if you are unsure whether your child will qualify. Florida currently has more than 23,000 people waiting for waiver services. Application details
Hospital Financial Assistance
Nonprofit hospitals are required to have a written financial assistance policy for patients who qualify. The exact eligibility requirements and discounts vary by hospital.
When you call, ask specifically for the hospital’s “financial assistance application” or “financial assistance policy.”Ask for the information in writing and whether assistance can be applied to bills you have already received.
It’s worth asking even if you don’t think you’ll qualify. Some families may be eligible for significant reductions in their medical bills and may not realize financial assistance is available.
UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation
Grants can help families cover medical expenses that are not covered, or are only partially covered, by commercial insurance.
Funding: Up to $5,000 per 12-month period, with a $10,000 lifetime maximum.
Who may qualify: Children age 16 or younger who have primary coverage through a commercial insurance plan. Secondary Medicaid coverage is permitted. Household income limits vary by family size, ranging from $65,000 for a household of two to $170,000 for a household of five or more.
What can be covered: Therapy and other eligible medical expenses, when services are provided by a licensed medical professional.
Applications are reviewed monthly by regional boards. Eligibility and funding are not guaranteed.
Patient Advocate Foundation
Patient Advocate Foundation provides free support to help families navigate insurance, medical bills, and other financial challenges related to care.
How they can help: Case management, assistance with insurance issues, co-pay relief programs, and help addressing medical debt.
This is not a traditional grant program. Families can work with a case manager who helps them understand their options, resolve issues, and navigate the paperwork involved in accessing care.
Learn more: Patient Advocate Foundation