Covering Kids and Families

Covering Kids and Families is a national initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Its purpose is to perform outreach, simplification, and coordination of the various State Children’s Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP).

The mission of Florida Covering Kids and Families (FL CKF) is to improve access to health care through enrollment in Florida KidCare, Florida’s state children’s health insurance program. Florida KidCare provides comprehensive, low-cost or free health coverage for uninsured children under 19 years old whose families meet income eligibility and other requirements.

FL CKF conducts outreach, simplification, and coordination activities for Florida KidCare. FL CKF also works to enroll underserved populations in Florida KidCare, smooth families’ transitions between programs, and keep children enrolled and using health care services.

Through Florida Covering Kids and Families, The Chiles Center:

• Performs outreach activities at health fairs and other community events and raises awareness of Florida KidCare through partnerships with businesses and community based organizations.

• Works with state agencies and policymakers to simplify enrollment and coordinate the four Florida KidCare program components.

• Maintains a database of partners such as corporations, churches, and other non-governmental organizations willing to assist families in enrolling their children in Florida KidCare.

• Communicates regularly with organizations serving families by providing information and guidance.

• Conducts social marketing research to develop, print, and distribute information to assist organizations helping clients access health care coverage.

• Provides technical assistance on best practices to community based outreach coordinators.

• Conducts formative research on access and utilization of health care services by children enrolled in Florida KidCare to determine access barriers and offer solutions to promote preventive health care for children.

This project is of major importance to public health in Florida. Insured children are more likely to receive preventive care such as immunizations, eyeglasses, and dental care. In event of illness, children receiving medical treatment are less likely to suffer serious complications.

For more information about children’s health insurance, please visit www.coveringkids.org or www.floridakidcare.org. You may also call the Florida Covering Kids and Families staff at (813) 974-8888.