17,497 MORE CHILDREN INSURED
State agency-backed campaign boosts KidCare enrollment
during the month of October

The ongoing community campaign to reach families with uninsured children is working to boost enrollment in Florida KidCare. During the month of October, 17,497 more children were covered. Florida KidCare currently serves nearly 1.4 million children, of which 1.1 million are Medicaid customers and more than 255,000 are enrolled in MediKids, Children’s Medical Services or Healthy Kids. Children enrolled in these programs receive regular doctor visits, dental check-ups and immunizations at little to no cost.

“The significant increase in enrollment shows that a sustained statewide outreach effort is important and necessary to get more kids insured through KidCare,” said Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who chairs the Healthy Kids board. “This is a vital program, and we are going to continue our grassroots approach to promoting KidCare and helping families enroll in the program. Our goal is to get as many uninsured children into the program as possible.”

Since July, staff and leaders from Florida KidCare, the Florida Department of Health, the Department of Children and Families, the Agency for Workforce Innovation and the Agency for Healthcare Administration have distributed millions of KidCare applications at schools and community events to reach more families with uninsured children.

Local community groups and businesses with access to families are also participating. KidCare distributed more than $1 million in matching grants to organizations that demonstrated creative outreach strategies to help enroll eligible families. In addition, large retailers such as Albertson’s, Walgreens, and Sweetbay are displaying KidCare information in their stores statewide. The health insurance plans that provide medical coverage to children enrolled in KidCare also contribute. The Florida Association of Health Plans (FAHP) recently funded a statewide radio advertising campaign to promote KidCare through urban and Hispanic radio stations.

The campaign is producing application volume at historic levels. More than 38,000 applications were received in August, which was an increase over the same time period last year. A record number 39,833 applications were received in September, which is a 30 percent increase compared to last year.

“The proof is in the numbers. Application volume keeps going up, up, up and more kids are getting covered,” said KidCare consultant Rose Naff. “In October we broke the record for the third consecutive month, receiving over 40,000 applications.”

“Flu season is around the corner, and this is a great time for families to enroll their children in KidCare so they can have peace of mind,” said Florida Surgeon General Ana Viamonte Ros. “Having easy access to quality doctors through the KidCare program can help parents avoid costly trips to the emergency room when their kids are sick.”

For more information Florida KidCare, visit www.floridakidcare.org to apply on-line or call 1-888-540-5437 to receive an application by mail.