Florida children scored a victory last week as legislation to ease the process of signing up for the Florida KidCare program made it past the first hurdles and to Governor Charlie Crist’s desk, for an almost certain approval. The bill would effictively remove administrative barriers which have historically kept many needy families from successfully enrolling in the program. The bill will shorten the waiting period for people who have lost their health insurance to sign their children up for the program, it will also make easier the process to reapply if families have been dropped for failing to pay the premium, and it will increase awareness of the program so that more families may realize they are eligible for assistance. Florida has been criticized for failing to reap the full benefits of the federal matching for this program, as the state has been on the bottom of the list when it comes to the number of children without health insurance. Do you think this is the first step toward lowering those numbers for Florida?

1. Dan Says:
   May 4th, 2009 at 11:12 am

   It is very important that children have health coverage and anything to make families more aware of their eligibility is a plus.

2. Kirsten Says:
   May 4th, 2009 at 12:00 pm

   Wow, thats huge if it is true. People are always telling me what a hassle it is to sign up for Kid Care

3. Bud L Says:
   May 5th, 2009 at 9:08 am

   Absolutely