Governor DeSantis today signed HB 121, Florida Kidcare Program Eligibility, sponsored by Representative Robin Bartleman (D- Weston) and Representative Dana Trabulsy (R-Fort Pierce), into law to help Florida’s working families.
The Florida Kidcare Program provides health insurance coverage for families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid. This legislation expands eligibility for the program to thousands of working families and children. HB 121 moves eligibility requirements for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to 300% of the federal poverty level (FPL). The bill also requires that the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation establish new monthly premiums, falling into three to six income-based tiers.
“Families in Florida are struggling. They are struggling to put a roof over their head, pay for childcare and put food on the table. They are also struggling to afford health care for their children – their most precious asset,” said Representative Bartleman. “This new law gives more of Florida’s working families access to health care and prevents the fear of losing coverage for their kids if they earn a few extra dollars. As they earn more, they will contribute more, and the new system will set families up for economic prosperity. I am grateful to Speaker Renner for his leadership, my prime cosponsor Representative Dana Trabulsy, and Senator Alexis Calatayud, who sponsored the bill in the Senate. This bipartisan legislation is a game changer for the children and families of Florida.”
Representative Trabulsy added, “Florida families are struggling to make a decision whether they should take a pay raise in their job or whether they should provide health care for their children. HB 121 opens the door for every family in Florida to have a pathway to prosperity without sacrificing the health of their children.”
This is the third Legislative Session that Representative Bartleman has championed this legislation.
