Kids lose health coverage while Florida delays promised plan
A mother in Florida can’t afford the $525 monthly fee for her daughters’ KidCare plan, so she opted for a cheaper ACA family policy that lacks dental coverage and carries higher out‑of‑pocket costs. KidCare, the state’s CHIP program, is designed to provide children with free or low‑cost health care—no deductible and modest copays.
2023 Expansion Vote
In 2023, Florida lawmakers approved an expansion that would let over 40,000 kids qualify for KidCare. The change cleared federal regulators after a lawsuit, but Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration has yet to implement it.
Legal and Policy Hurdles
- Federal Rule: The Biden administration requires children to remain enrolled for 12 months even if parents miss a payment.
- Florida’s Stance: The state sued the federal government to allow dropping children from KidCare when payments lapse, arguing CHIP should be a “personal responsibility” program.
- Texas Joins the Fight: Texas claims the rule turns CHIP into an entitlement that conflicts with state policy.
A nonprofit lawsuit filed on March 9 asked the court to compel Florida to enact the expansion. The state has not responded, and a judge ordered it to explain its position by mid‑May. Critics argue the delay is political theater that harms children’s health and undermines federal child wellness initiatives.
Impact on Uninsured Children
- Florida has one of the highest uninsured rates: over 400,000 kids lack coverage.
- From December 2024 to November 2025, 250,000 children received subsidized KidCare.
- 43,000 kids were dropped after parents missed premiums—often during July–August school‑supplies season or December–January holidays, forcing families to choose between essentials.
Financial Consequences
KidCare enrollment has fallen below projections, creating a $32 million surplus that lawmakers moved to the general fund. The expansion would raise the income ceiling for families from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level, increasing monthly premiums but offering better coverage than ACA plans.
Legal Outcomes
- May 2024: Initial lawsuit dismissed.
- February 2025: Second lawsuit withdrawn.
- Post‑withdrawal: Third lawsuit filed after withdrawal.
- The state claims CMS ignored a public records request about approving the expansion.
The Bottom Line
With ACA subsidies ending, many parents face higher costs. Delaying the KidCare expansion could ease the burden for families like this mother’s, ensuring children have access to comprehensive health care—including dental and vision services—thereby securing a healthier future.
