Options for Floridians without health insurance include low-cost clinics and drug discount programs.
According to a U.S. Census Bureau report released in July, 2010, Florida had the third highest rate of uninsured residents in 2007 at 24.2 percent. Meanwhile, health-care costs and jobless rates continued to increase. If you don't have health insurance, there are options: Check retail pharmacy chains for drug discount programs, as well as pharmacies in grocery and department stores. Some also offer periodic clinics. Local health departments provide an array of services. Consider as sources of assistance state and national associations oriented toward specific medical conditions.
ACCESS Medical Assistance
Low-income individuals and families meeting income criteria may qualify for Medicaid. The program is administrated by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration and is divided into six categories: Medicaid for low-income families with children, Medicaid for children, Medicaid for pregnant women, Emergency Medical Assistance for noncitizens, Medicaid for the aged and/or disabled not currently receiving Supplemental Security Income and the Medically Needy program. Eligibility requirements vary with family size and income. The Medically Needy program provides benefits after recipients meet a share of cost. While there is no income limit for the Medically Needy program, there is an asset limit. Contact information for each of the six programs is available at the state's Department of Children & Families Website.
Cover Florida
Cover Florida is a health insurance plan available to Florida residents between the ages of 19 to 64 who have been without health insurance for a minimum of six months. It covers pre-existing medical conditions; however, there is a 12-month waiting period for coverage of those conditions. Those who have lost a job that provided health benefits, lost COBRA coverage or were enrolled in a health insurance program offered by a spouse's employer and are now separated by death or divorce from that spouse are also eligible. Blue Cross of Florida and United Health Care offer plans in each of the state's 67 counties; additional insurance companies provide coverage in Broward, Miami-Dade, Flagler and Volusia counties. Benefits caps for each of the plans are set low.
Florida Discount Drug Card
The Florida Discount Drug Card is open to all Florida residents regardless of age, income or pre-existing condition. It offers discounts on generic drugs, according to the Florida Discount Drug Card website. There is a one-time $1.50 activation fee added to the cost of the first prescription purchased through the program.
Florida Healthy Kids
Coverage is available to Florida children between the ages of 5 and 18 who are uninsured, not eligible for Medicaid and are not the offspring of a state employee. Low and no-cost policies operate on a sliding scale; premiums are assessed using family income amounts. The program offers medical and dental plans; medical benefits include no copays for well-child care, vision and hearing screening, diagnostic testing, preauthorized hospital inpatient medical and surgical care, durable medical equipment and substance abuse and rehabilitation. The maximum annual dental benefit is $1,000 per child; covered services include preventive services, oral exams, x-rays, fillings, crowns, extractions and root canals.
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