Health coverage for children: Medicaid and KidCare

What it is. Free or low-cost health insurance for children through age 18 (Medicaid to age 20), covering doctor and hospital care, dental, therapies, behavioral health, and prescriptions. Direct coverage.

Which one? You don't have to decide. A single application sorts the child into the right program:

Medicaid — no premium. Income limit depends on the child's age; for a family of 4 (monthly, before taxes, April 2026–March 2027): under 1, $5,803; ages 1–5, $3,989; ages 6–18, $3,796 (DCF chart (opens in a new tab)). Children on SSI get Medicaid automatically, no application.
KidCare (MediKids ages 1–4, Healthy Kids ages 5–18) — $15 or $20 a month per family for incomes up to roughly 200% of poverty (KidCare's own pages say 200% in one place and 215% in another); full-pay option above that. Copays never exceed $10.
CMS Health Plan — for children with serious chronic conditions, through either route. See the CMS Plan card.

First step.

Income near or below the Medicaid limit, or you already have a DCF case: apply at myaccess.myflfamilies.com (opens in a new tab).
Otherwise: apply through the KidCare parent portal at portal.floridakidcare.org (opens in a new tab) or call 1-888-540-5437. Estimate your cost first with the KidCare cost calculator (opens in a new tab).

Good to know.

Medicaid decisions: within 45 days. KidCare: usually about 2 weeks (up to 6 if more information is needed).
After Medicaid approval, choose a health plan through Choice Counseling, 1-877-711-3662.
Children under 19 keep Medicaid for their full 12-month period even if income rises mid-year (limited exceptions, e.g., moving out of Florida). Eligibility is re-checked at each yearly renewal.
Children under 21 can get retroactive Medicaid for up to 3 months before the month of application.
Enrollment is open all year.

Contact. DCF 850-300-4323 · KidCare 1-888-540-5437 (TTY 1-800-955-8771), weekdays 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. ET · Medicaid Helpline 1-877-254-1055, Mon–Fri 8–5 ET

Official sources. DCF Medicaid (opens in a new tab) · Florida KidCare requirements (opens in a new tab) · 2026 income guidelines (opens in a new tab)

Full guide. Getting Medicaid for a child

Not yet confirmed: whether KidCare's planned income expansion above 200% of poverty is in effect.

Read the application-preparation guide ↗

Program details can change. Follow the agency’s current instructions and the dates on your notices. Official links above take you to the organization responsible for the program.