Guest AuthorNothing is more heart-wrenching than an uninsured child who can’t get the same necessary medical care as a child who has insurance coverage. Nothing is more unfair than a child who can’t receive medical treatment because the parents mistakenly believe the family can’t afford health insurance. And nothing is more important to the health and overall security of a child than reliable health insurance. That’s why Florida KidCare puts high-quality, low-cost health insurance within the reach of every child.
In Florida, nearly one in eight children is uninsured and thousands more are under-insured. When everything seems to be a more immediate need, parents often believe that health insurance is simply too costly—and that they can’t justify paying premiums every month hinged on the chance their child is injured. What they don’t realize is that the true value of health insurance stretches far beyond simply paying the cost of injuries. Not only are children who have no health insurance five times more likely to have unmet medical needs, they are also much less likely to receive routine preventive measures like check-ups, cleanings and shots.
The medical expenses of uninsured children in Florida cost taxpayers billions of dollars each year, but that’s far from the only cost. Children who lack health insurance tend to underperform in the classroom and experience more absences due to illness. A sick child who has to stay home from school requires a parent to be there with them—and when that parent has to take off from work, the costs of a sick kid can skyrocket.
Ultimately, the peace of mind and convenience that health insurance offer are well worth the cost. If you don’t already have health insurance for your children, back to school is the perfect time to enroll your child in Florida KidCare’s low-cost or no cost, high-quality health insurance. Many families pay only $15 or $20 a month, and most pay nothing at all! Even if a family doesn’t qualify for subsidized coverage, the program offers full-pay options that assure high-quality medical care.
I am not only a Florida KidCare program administrator. I am also a parent—and I vividly remember that when the school year got started, life inevitably got a little crazy. That’s why enrolling your kids now saves time and money! Florida KidCare covers necessary back to school procedures like immunizations and sports physicals (in addition to the everyday coverage it offers in well-child visits, hospital stays, dental coverage, vision services, prescriptions, mental health service and much more!) If you need help finding what coverage is right for you, visitwww.FloridaKidCare.org or download the interactive smartphone app called “FL KidCare.”
If your children do have health insurance, make sure you’re taking advantage of all the preventive measures offered. These frequent visits provide the opportunity to identify conditions early on and get your children in the helpful habit of regularly going to the doctor’s office. Health insurance gives you the opportunity to provide a brighter future and smile for your children. Regular doctor and dental visits, whether for routine checkups or more serious concerns, create a smart, healthy pattern for your children and shows them firsthand the importance of protecting their bodies and being responsible about their overall and oral health.
Together, we can continue to echo the phrase that ‘Kids Oughta Be Covered’ and work collaboratively to ensure our state of Florida’s most precious residents and future champions are at their best.
