How to Find Affordable Health Insurance in the State of Florida

The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) manages the state's Medicaid program. Low-income families, children 18 or younger, pregnant women, disabled and elderly (65 or older) qualify and receive full Medicaid benefits as long as they meet the income and asset minimum guidelines.

Limited Medicaid benefits can be received by the Medically Needy, meaning those with high medical costs. Individuals whose income in too high for medicaid can qualify for financial assistance to help pay medical bills. Under this program, their income is evaluated to determine what their share of the cost will be; the rest is paid through the limited Medicaid assistance program. The Florida Planning Waiver provides limited Medicaid coverage for women age 14-55 with incomes at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

For people 65 or older or permanently disabled, with incomes below 88% of the FPL can apply for medical insurance help through Medicaid for the Aged and Disabled (MEDS-AD) and receive full benefits. Florida KidCare is a program for children up to 19 who meet the income requirements. It is financed with federal and state funds and family contributions. Florida's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIPS) is for families with children who do not qualify for Medicaid. There are three programs available: MediKids for children ages 1-4, Healthy Kids for children 5-18, and Children's Medical Services Network for children up to 18 with special health care needs.

Florida, among other states, has decided to opt out of the optional requirement under the Affordable Care Act to expand the Medicaid program and establish insurance exchanges, citing cost as an inhibitor to jobs and economic growth in Florida.