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What Documents Do I Need for Florida KidCare?

Use the free tool — Kid's Health Coverage FL

One Application Checks Everything

Florida KidCare is one application. It screens a child for Medicaid for children, MediKids (ages 1–4), Florida Healthy Kids (ages 5–18), and the Children's Medical Services Health Plan for children with special health-care needs — online or by phone at 1-888-540-5437 (floridakidcare.org). Florida Medicaid for children and pregnant women can also be applied for separately through the Department of Children and Families (DCF ACCESS Florida). Having documents ready makes either application go faster.

For Each Child

• Birth certificate or immigration document
• Social Security number, if the child has one
• If a child has a serious or chronic health condition, write it on the application — that's part of how a child is connected to the Children's Medical Services Health Plan.

For the Adults in the Household

• Proof of income: pay stubs, a letter from an employer, or a simple written statement if income is cash or self-employment
• Proof of your Florida address
• Your child's current insurance card, if there is one

The application decides what your family qualifies for. This page can't quote income limits because they change — only the application, at floridakidcare.org or 1-888-540-5437, gives a real answer.

If Immigration Status Is a Question

A child who is a U.S. citizen or lawfully present can get Medicaid or KidCare no matter what the parents' status is. The application asks about the child's status only — parents are not required to give their own immigration status or Social Security number. Under the current federal public-charge rule, a child's Medicaid or CHIP coverage is not counted against a parent's immigration case (USCIS — Public Charge Resources). A child without immigration status generally can't get full Medicaid or subsidized KidCare, but can get emergency Medicaid, sliding-scale care at a community health center (HRSA Find a Health Center), and school-based health services. An immigration attorney or accredited representative can confirm how this applies to your family.

If Someone Just Lost Coverage or Is Pregnant

There is no waiting period to apply for KidCare — a child can be enrolled while the parents are uninsured, and a Marketplace special enrollment window may also be open for the parents at HealthCare.gov. Pregnancy Medicaid has its own income range and is applied for through DCF; care during pregnancy matters regardless of status, and Emergency Medicaid covers labor and delivery.

What to Do Next

This page can't tell you whether your child qualifies — it only lists what to gather. The free tool that goes with this guide reads your family's own numbers — family size, income, and your children's ages — and shows in seconds whether your child is likely eligible for free Medicaid or low-cost KidCare, and which documents to bring. Nothing you enter is stored. This is not legal, medical, or tax advice; confirm your situation with floridakidcare.org, DCF ACCESS, or an accredited representative.

Kid's Health Coverage FL explains children's coverage programs in plain language; it can be wrong, and it is not legal or benefits advice. It never quotes income limits because they change every year — the application decides. Immigration statements follow current federal rules as published; confirm your situation with an accredited representative or attorney. Nothing you enter is stored.