The children of legal immigrants to the U.S. and Florida would become immediately eligible for the state’s KidCare program. KidCare offers subsidized healthcare to low-income families.
Several years ago, federal government removed a five-year waiting period for immigrant kids to get federally-subsidized health insurance. Now, years later, Florida is a step closer to doing the same. The Florida House of Representatives has approved a bill by Rep. Jose Felix Diaz, R-Miami.
“We started off estimating it could be a few thousand kids, now we’re 17,000 kids, and it could increase depending on the amount of kids who apply. It could be an unbelievable thing for the children of the state of Florida.”
According to the advocacy group, the Children's Campaign of Florida, the number could go as high as 35,000.
Providing children with a medical home isn't just right, it's smart. Sick children almost always will struggle to learn, and this legislation gives hope to thousands of Florida children and families, said Children’s Movement of Florida state director Vance Aloupis.
Miami lawmakers have spearheaded the effort for years. But it’s previously run into opposition due to anti-immigrant sentiment. Another barrier for the bill has been its cost: At one point, the KidCare expansion was estimated to cost tens of millions of dollars. Representative Gayle Harrell recalled the 2010 session, when she and Diaz were backing similar KidCare proposals that came with a high price tag.
“We couldn’t believe it. But you were able to stand there and fight back. And you continued the fight. I just commend you for your persistence, your perseverance and everything you’ve done for the children of Florida. It’s truly a legacy," she said.
The bill got a major boost earlier in the session when House Speaker Steve Crisafulli mentioned the issue during his first day address to the chamber:
"These children and their parents have followed our laws, and should be able to access the same services many Florida families can," Crisafulli said followed by applause from the chamber. "This legislature has acted with similar compassion in recent years, and I ask for your full support of Chair Diaz’s bill.”
And Thursday, it cleared the Florida House on a rare, unanimous vote: 118-0.
A cheering Florida House of Representatives is now sending HB 89 to the Senate, where a companion bill sponsored by Hialieah Republican Rene Garcia. Lawmakers have also included additional funding for KidCare in the budget to cover the program’s expansion.
