Florida Blocks Medicaid Expansion for Kids Despite Rising Uninsured Rates

Tatiana Lafortune wants the best for her children: a quality education, nutritious meals, and access to medical care when they’re sick. Public schools and her church’s food pantry help with the first two goals. But securing health insurance has been her biggest challenge.

As licensed practical nurses at a traumatic brain injury rehabilitation center near Tampa, Lafortune and her husband earn too much to qualify for Florida’s KidCare program, the state’s subsidized health insurance for low-income families. Yet their employer-sponsored plan costs more than they can afford. Paying the full premium of $525 per month for KidCare is also out of reach for the family.

Instead, Lafortune purchased a family plan through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace for about $500 monthly. The coverage lacks dental benefits, and out-of-pocket costs are far higher than what KidCare would require. “KidCare is better for kids,” she said. “But at least I have something for them.”

Florida’s Delayed KidCare Expansion Leaves Thousands Uninsured

In 2023, Florida legislators unanimously approved an expansion of KidCare to close gaps for families like Lafortune’s, extending coverage to over 40,000 more children. However, the expansion has yet to take effect—even after federal regulators approved it following a lawsuit—because Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration has not implemented the changes.

The delay has stalled KidCare’s expansion amid ongoing legal battles and negotiations between state and federal officials. During this impasse, Florida risks violating federal healthcare laws. “I don’t know what they’re waiting for,” Lafortune said. “People in Florida have needs.”

State and Federal Disagreement Over Healthcare Coverage

At the heart of the dispute is a federal rule adopted under the Biden administration requiring states to provide 12 continuous months of coverage for children enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), known as KidCare in Florida. This means coverage cannot be canceled if parents miss a monthly premium payment. Florida is the only state challenging this rule.

When asked about the delay, DeSantis’ office directed KFF Health News to a March 31 press conference video where the governor deferred questions to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, which oversees KidCare. The agency did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

What’s Next for Florida Families?

For now, families like Lafortune’s remain in limbo. Without expanded KidCare, thousands of children in Florida lack affordable, comprehensive healthcare. The state’s refusal to act could have long-term consequences for child health outcomes and compliance with federal law.