What You Pay for Florida KidCare

Florida KidCare is a state health insurance program for children whose families earn too much to may have access to for Medicaid but cannot afford private coverage. The program has four separate plans, and your monthly payment depends on which plan your child is in and your household income. Payments go directly from your bank account or are charged to a payment method you choose — the program does not bill through your employer or a third party.

The state sets the premium amounts each year. For the lowest-income families who may have access to, the premium may be zero dollars per month. For families earning more, premiums range from roughly $15 to $40 per child per month, though the exact amount depends on your income level and which plan you select. You will know your exact premium before you enroll, and it does not change mid-year unless your income changes and you report it.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida KidCare premiums are set by income level and plan type, ranging from $0 to approximately $40 per child per month.
  • You choose your payment method during enrollment — bank account draft, credit card, or debit card — and payments are taken on the same day each month.
  • If a payment fails, the program sends a notice and gives you time to pay before coverage stops, usually at least 30 days.
  • You can change your payment method or update your bank account information at any time through the Florida KidCare website or by calling the program directly.
  • If your income drops during the year, you can report it and your premium may decrease or drop to zero.

The Four Plans and Their Premium Tiers

Florida KidCare offers four separate plans: MediKids, Florida Healthy Kids, Child Health Plan Plus (CHIP), and Medicaid. Most families enroll in one of the first three. Each plan has the same premium structure based on income, but the benefits and out-of-pocket costs (copays, deductibles) differ. A child in MediKids might have a $3 copay for a doctor visit, while a child in Florida Healthy Kids might have a $5 copay. The premium you pay each month is separate from these visit costs.

The program groups families into income brackets. A family at 100% of the federal poverty level pays one rate; a family at 150% pays another; a family at 200% pays a third. The state publishes these brackets and rates on the Florida KidCare website each year. You will see your exact premium amount on your enrollment form before you confirm it, so you know the cost before your first payment is due.

Setting Up Your Payment Method

During enrollment, you choose how the program collects your monthly premium. The three options are automatic bank account withdrawal (ACH), credit card charge, or debit card charge. Most families choose bank account withdrawal because it is the most reliable and does not incur credit card processing fees. You provide your routing number and account number, and the program withdraws the premium on the same date each month — usually the first or fifteenth, depending on when your enrollment is processed.

If you choose a credit or debit card, the program charges it on your selected payment date. Some families use this method if they want to earn rewards points or if they do not have a bank account. The downside is that if the card expires or is cancelled, you have to update it manually or risk a missed payment. With bank account withdrawal, you only need to update your information if you change banks.

What Happens When a Payment Is Late or Fails

If your bank account does not have enough funds or your card is declined, the payment fails. The program does not when ready cancel your coverage. Instead, you receive a notice — usually by mail, sometimes by email if you signed up for electronic notices — telling you the payment failed and giving you a important date to pay. This grace period is typically at least 30 days, though the exact number depends on the program's current policy.

During the grace period, your child's coverage stays active. You can pay the missed premium by phone, online through the Florida KidCare website, or by mail. If you do not pay by the important date, coverage ends on the last day of the month in which the important date falls. Once coverage ends, you must re-enroll to restart it. If you are having trouble paying, you can contact Florida KidCare to discuss your situation — the program sometimes works with families to set up a payment plan or to verify whether your income has dropped enough to lower your premium.

Updating Your Payment Information

You can change your payment method or update your bank account details at any time without waiting for an enrollment period. If you get a new bank account, a new debit card, or want to switch from card payments to bank withdrawal, log into your Florida KidCare account online or call the program's customer service line. Changes usually take effect within one to two business days, so plan ahead if you are switching banks.

If you move and your mailing address changes, update that in your account as well. The program sends payment reminders and notices to the address on file, so if mail goes to an old address, you might miss a notice about a failed payment. You can also sign up for email notices if you prefer electronic communication instead of paper.

Income Changes and Premium Adjustments

Your premium is based on your household income at the time you enroll. If your income drops during the year — because you lost a job, reduced your hours, or had a major life change — you can report it to Florida KidCare and request a premium adjustment. The program will recalculate your premium based on your new income, and it may decrease or drop to zero if you fall into a lower income bracket.

To report an income change, contact Florida KidCare and ask to update your household information. You will need to provide documentation of the change, such as a termination letter, a new pay stub, or a letter from your employer. The program processes income changes within a few business days, and your new premium takes effect on the first of the following month. If you overpaid during the months before the change was processed, the program may credit the overage to future premiums or refund it, depending on the amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Florida KidCare premium by check or money order?

Yes. You can mail a check or money order to the address listed on your bill or enrollment materials. Include your child's member ID number on the check so the payment is applied to the correct account. Mailed payments take longer to process than online or phone payments, so mail at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late payment notice.

What if I cannot afford the monthly premium?

Contact Florida KidCare to discuss your situation. If your income has dropped, you may may have access to for a lower premium or zero premium. If your income has not changed but you are struggling, the program may be able to work with you on a payment plan. Do not skip payments without calling — the program is more willing to help if you reach out before coverage ends.

Does Florida KidCare accept online payments through their website?

Yes. You can log into your account on the Florida KidCare website and make a one-time payment by bank transfer or card. You can also set up automatic recurring payments so you do not have to remember to pay each month. The online payment system is available 24 hours a day.

What happens to my premium if my child turns 19?

Florida KidCare covers children up to age 19. When your child reaches 19, coverage ends at the end of that month, and you stop paying premiums. If you have other children in the program, you continue paying for them. The program will send you a notice before coverage ends so you have time to find other insurance if needed.

Can I get a refund if I overpay my premium?

If you pay more than you owe — for example, if you make a manual payment and then an automatic payment processes on the same day — the program credits the overage to your next month's premium. If the overage is large or you are leaving the program, you can request a refund by contacting Florida KidCare. Refunds are usually processed within two to four weeks.