[Press Statement] – Florida’s Hispanic Children Remain Uninsured at Higher Rate, Report Shows

Florida’s Hispanic Children Remain Uninsured at Higher Rate than Counterparts  

The uninsured rate for Florida’s Hispanic children is improving but still lags behind other kids according to a new report by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. The uninsured rate for Florida’s children is 11% overall while 14% of Florida’s Hispanic children are uninsured.

“Improving opportunities for Hispanic children to get affordable coverage is critical to efforts to improve the health of all of Florida’s children,” said Leah Barber-Heinz, CEO of the statewide consumer health advocacy organization, Florida CHAIN.  “When children have health coverage, they do better in school and their families are more financially secure.”

Meanwhile, many uninsured Hispanic children are already eligible for KidCare but aren’t enrolled because their families may not know about it or are worried about applying for a public program.

“Most Hispanic children are citizens, but some live in families where other family members are not, “ said Sonya Schwartz, Research Fellow at the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families and lead author of the report. “It’s important for families to realize that it is safe to apply even if not everyone in the home is a citizen.”

Enrollment for KidCare is always open so families should sign their kids up as soon as possible.

Parents and other uninsured adults are likely to be eligible for financial assistance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Open enrollment begins on November 15. Call 1-866-FL-CHAIN (352-4246) to learn more about affordable health insurance options.

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Florida CHAIN is a statewide consumer health advocacy organization dedicated to improving the health of all Floridians.

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