Florida KidCare pays the health plan directly, not to you

When your child is enrolled in Florida KidCare, the state sends monthly payments to the health insurance plan your child is in — not to you. The plan uses that money to cover your child's doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital care, and other covered services. You pay a monthly premium (if your income level requires one), and the state covers the rest.

The payment system is straightforward: Florida KidCare collects your premium payment, the state's portion goes to the health plan, and your child's coverage stays active as long as payments are current. If your premium payment is late or missed, the plan may suspend coverage until the account is brought current.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida KidCare sends state funds directly to your child's health plan each month, and you pay your family's monthly premium separately if one is required.
  • Premium amounts depend on your household income and family size, and range from zero dollars to a set maximum based on your income level.
  • Payments must be made by the due date shown on your bill to keep coverage active; late or missed payments can result in a suspension of benefits.
  • You can pay your premium online through the Florida KidCare website, by mail, or by phone, and you should receive a payment confirmation for your records.

How much you pay each month

Your monthly premium depends on your household income and the number of people in your family. Florida KidCare uses a sliding scale, which means families with lower incomes pay less or nothing at all. Families above a certain income threshold may not be charged a premium, while others pay a small monthly fee.

When you first enroll, Florida KidCare will tell you the exact premium amount for your family. This amount can change if your income changes or if your family size changes (a new baby, a child aging out, or a household member moving). You should report any changes to Florida KidCare within 30 days so your premium is calculated correctly.

When and how to submit your payment

Your payment is due by the date listed on your monthly bill. Florida KidCare sends bills by mail or email, depending on how you set up your account. You have several ways to pay: online through the Florida KidCare website, by mailing a check or money order, or by phone using a debit or credit card.

Online payment is the fastest and most reliable method — you can pay immediately and receive a confirmation number. If you pay by mail, allow at least 10 business days for the payment to reach and be processed. Paying by phone takes a few minutes and you will receive a confirmation number right away. Keep your confirmation number or receipt for your records.

What happens if your payment is late

If your premium payment is not received by the due date, Florida KidCare will send you a notice. You typically have a grace period of about 30 days to make the payment before coverage is suspended. During this time, your child's coverage remains active, but you need to pay as soon as possible to avoid a lapse.

If coverage is suspended due to non-payment, you can restore it by paying the overdue amount. Once the payment is processed, coverage usually resumes within a few business days. If your child needs medical care while coverage is suspended, you will be responsible for the full cost of that care.

Changes that affect your payment

Your premium can change if your household income increases or decreases, if someone joins or leaves your household, or if your family size changes. You must report these changes to Florida KidCare within 30 days. You can update your information online, by mail, or by phone.

If your income drops significantly, you may may have access to for a lower premium or no premium at all. If your income rises, your premium may increase. Florida KidCare will recalculate your premium based on the new information and send you an updated bill. Make sure to report changes promptly so you are not charged an incorrect amount.

Keeping your payment information current

Update your mailing address, email address, and phone number with Florida KidCare if they change. This ensures you receive your bills on time and can be contacted if there are any issues with your account. You can update your contact information online through your Florida KidCare account or by calling customer service.

If you move or change your email address and do not update Florida KidCare, you may miss payment notices and your coverage could be suspended without you knowing. Check your account regularly to make sure all your information is correct and your payment history is up to date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot afford the monthly premium?

If your income is very low, your premium may be zero dollars. If you are having trouble paying even a small premium, contact Florida KidCare to discuss your situation. Some families may be redirected to Medicaid, which has no premium, if their income qualifies.

Can I pay my premium in installments instead of monthly?

Florida KidCare requires monthly payments on the schedule shown on your bill. If you are struggling to pay monthly, contact customer service to discuss your options or to see if you may have access to for a different program with lower costs.

What if I paid but my coverage was still suspended?

Processing delays can happen, especially with mail payments. Check your account online or call Florida KidCare to confirm the payment was received and processed. If there is an error, customer service can usually restore coverage quickly once the issue is identified.

Do I need to pay if my child is on Medicaid?

No. Medicaid has no monthly premium. If your child is enrolled in Medicaid instead of Florida KidCare, you do not make any payments. Your child's coverage is funded entirely by the state and federal government.