KidCare Reform

Memorandum from Rep. Ausley to Rep. Gelber on KidCare Reform

May 7, 2007 

As you are aware, the Florida legislature adjourned last week without passing legislation to streamline the Florida KidCare program.  The bill that passed out of the Florida House was truly a bi-partisan effort representing the consensus of children's advocates and stakeholders.  

It is unfortunate that this critical issue of children's health insurance was not addressed during the regular session, but the children of Florida can not wait until the spring of 2008, and it is my hope that we can address the major issues during the June Special Session.   The timing is particularly important as Congress is currently discussing the reauthorization of the S-CHIP program that provides the federal match for our state dollars at the ratio of 3:1, enabling us to stretch our state dollars and cover more children.  

For years, we have been leaving federal dollars on the table, allowing other states to take advantage of these resources that have been allocated for Florida.   If we do not act now to streamline and simplify the enrollment and eligibility process, these dollars could be limited in future years. 

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Letter to Gov. Crist on KidCare Reform 

May 8, 2007

Dear Governor Crist:

As you know, one thing left undone at the end of the legislative session was the simplification and restructuring of Florida's Kid Care program.  Presently, more than 700,000 Florida children are without health care. Many, if not most, of these children are eligible for the health insurance programs under KidCare but are unable to navigate it adequately due to its complexity and the artificial barriers the legislature created some years ago.

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