FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 4, 2005
Florida
Catholic Conference Promotes Florida Healthy Kids Open-Enrollment Period
Florida Catholic Conference Promotes
Florida Healthy Kids Open-Enrollment Period
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.
– The Florida Catholic Conference has teamed up with Florida Healthy
Kids to inform families about the 30-day open enrollment period for
low-cost affordable health insurance through the KidCare program. From
January 1, 2005 through the end of the month, applications will be
accepted from working families with uninsured children under 18 years
of age, who are not eligible for Medicaid. |
“We’re joining Healthy
Kids to get the word out about this 30-day enrollment period
because no application can be processed after January 30, 2005,”
said Michael Sheedy, Associate for Health. “We know that
affordable, quality medical insurance is so important for kids to
stay healthy, so families need to act fast.”
The 2004 Florida Legislature significantly increased funding for
Healthy Kids to cover more eligible children. In addition,
lawmakers eliminated a controversial waiting list and implemented
new guidelines to increase accountability for the program.
Earlier this month, the
legislature also eased some of the income verification
requirements. Now, families must provide a W2, a completed tax
return or pay stubs for income verification.
Florida’s Healthy Kids program provides affordable healthcare
coverage for families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid –
but not enough to afford private coverage. Since it began in 1990,
the Florida program has served as the model for programs enacted
in all 50 states and it continues to break new ground with the
successful implementation of “Project Pathfinder” to re-enroll
families under new guidelines.
“Families can make a New Year’s resolution to enroll their uninsured children in the
program,” said Rose Naff, executive director of Healthy Kids.
“What better way to |
Details
on Enrollment in
Healthy Kids Open Enrollment
● Application will only be accepted during open-enrollment
period – January 1st through January 30th.
● A one-page
application and income documentation must be sent to Healthy
Kids during open enrollment period.
● Coverage cannot begin
until eligibility has been determined and the full premium
amount has been received.
● Most families pay either $15 or $20
per family per month; however, some families may pay more.
●
Applications for enrollment may be downloaded at
http://www.florida kidcare.org
or may be faxed or mailed by calling 888-540-KIDS
(888-540-5437).
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start off the New Year than to have
the peace of mind that in 2005 you can take your kids to the
doctor instead of the emergency room when they’re sick.”
During the 30-day open
enrollment period, parents must complete and send a one-page
application form, with income documentation attached, to Healthy Kids.
Applications received after the open enrollment period cannot be
enrolled. Healthy Kids coverage cannot begin until eligibility has
been determined and the full premium amount has been received. The
amount of each premium is based on household size and monthly income.
Most families pay either $15 or $20 per family per month; however,
some families may pay more.
Applications for enrollment may be downloaded from the Internet at
www.floridakidcare.org. Families can also call 1-888-540-KIDS
(888-540-5437) to receive an application in the mail. |
For more information, please contact Michael Sheedy at 850-222-3803.
Florida Catholic Conference
201 W. Park
Avenue
* Tallahassee, FL * 32301-7715
Phone (850) 222-3803 * Fax (850) 681-9548
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