What KidCare payment covers and who receives it

KidCare in Florida is a health insurance program for children whose families earn too much to may have access to for Medicaid but cannot afford private coverage. The program covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental work, and vision care. Parents or guardians do not make payments to KidCare itself — instead, they pay a monthly premium directly to the health plan their child is enrolled in, similar to how employer health insurance works.

The state of Florida does not collect the premium. Your payment goes to whichever managed care plan you chose during enrollment — plans like Molina Healthcare, Staywell, Aetna, or others that contract with the state to serve KidCare members. The amount you pay depends on your household income and the specific plan you selected.

Key Takeaways

  • KidCare premiums are paid monthly to your child's health plan, not to the state, and the amount depends on your household income level.
  • Florida groups KidCare families into income brackets, and your bracket determines your monthly premium per child.
  • You can pay by mail, phone, or online through your plan's website or customer service line.
  • If you miss a payment, your child's coverage will be suspended after a grace period, but you can restore it by paying what you owe.
  • Some families may owe no premium at all if their income falls in the lowest bracket that KidCare covers.

Income brackets and monthly premium amounts

Florida divides KidCare families into income tiers. Your household income determines which tier you fall into, and your tier determines your monthly premium per child. The state updates these brackets each year, so the exact dollar amounts change annually. You can find the current year's brackets on the Florida Department of Children and Families website or by calling your child's health plan directly.

Families at the lowest income level may pay nothing or a very small amount. As household income rises, the monthly premium increases. If you have more than one child in KidCare, you pay the premium for each child separately. Some plans cap the total family premium so that you do not pay more than a set amount regardless of how many children are enrolled.

How to make your monthly payment

Your health plan offers multiple payment methods. Most plans accept payments online through their member portal — you log in with your account number and submit payment by debit card or bank account. You can also call your plan's customer service line and pay over the phone with a credit or debit card. Some plans accept mail payments; your bill or statement will show the mailing address and account number to include.

Payment is typically due on a specific date each month, shown on your bill. Set up automatic payments through your plan's website if you want to avoid missing a due date. Many plans offer this option at no extra cost and will deduct the premium from your bank account on the same day each month.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your premium payment is late, your plan will usually give you a grace period — typically 30 days — before suspending your child's coverage. During this time, your child can still use their benefits. You will receive a notice in the mail warning you that payment is overdue and telling you the important date to pay before coverage stops.

If coverage is suspended because of non-payment, you can restore it by paying the full amount owed. Once your payment is processed, coverage usually resumes within one to three business days. If you are having trouble paying, contact your plan's customer service to ask about payment plans or hardship options — some plans can work with you to catch up over time rather than requiring the full amount at once.

Changes to your income and how they affect your premium

If your household income changes during the year, your premium may change too. You are required to report income changes to the Florida Department of Children and Families within 30 days. If your income goes down, your premium will decrease. If your income goes up and exceeds the income limit for KidCare, your child's coverage will end, and you will be directed toward other options like the Marketplace or private insurance.

When you renew your KidCare coverage each year, the state will recalculate your premium based on your current income. You will receive a new notice showing your new premium amount and the date it takes effect. If the new amount is significantly different from what you were paying, review the income information on file to make sure it is correct — you can request a correction if the state has the wrong figure.

Payment methods and where your money goes

When you pay your KidCare premium, that money goes to your child's health plan, not to the state. The health plan uses those premiums to pay for your child's medical care — doctor visits, hospital bills, prescriptions, and other covered services. The state subsidizes the rest of the cost; your premium covers only a portion of what the plan spends on your child's care.

Keep records of your payments for your own records. Your plan will send you a statement each month showing what you paid and when. If you ever need to dispute a payment or confirm that a payment was received, you can contact your plan's customer service with your account number and the date you paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my KidCare premium online?

Yes. Most Florida KidCare plans have a member portal where you can log in and pay online using a debit card or bank account. You can also call your plan's customer service line to pay by phone. Check your bill or your plan's website for the specific payment methods they accept.

What if I cannot afford the monthly premium?

If your income has dropped, report the change to the Florida Department of Children and Families within 30 days — your premium will be recalculated based on your new income and may decrease. If you are struggling to pay, contact your child's health plan to ask about payment arrangements or hardship options. Some plans can set up a payment plan to help you catch up.

Do I pay the premium to the state or to the health plan?

You pay the premium directly to your child's health plan, not to the state. The plan's name and payment instructions are on your bill. The state subsidizes the remaining cost of your child's coverage.

What happens if my payment is late?

Your plan will typically allow a 30-day grace period before suspending coverage. You will receive a notice in the mail with the important date to pay. If coverage is suspended, you can restore it by paying the amount owed. Contact your plan if you need help setting up a payment plan.

Does my premium change if my income changes?

Yes. You must report income changes to the Florida Department of Children and Families within 30 days. If your income decreases, your premium will decrease. If your income exceeds the KidCare limit, your child's coverage will end and you will be directed to other coverage options.