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Florida Health Care Assistance

With the high cost of medical and dental care these days, many Florida residents have trouble accessing the health care services they need. Several different programs in Florida help people get health care services, although not everyone qualifies. Some forms of assistance, such as the Children's Health Insurance Program, are only available to minor children. Others can often find some sort of help, though.

  1. Florida Medicaid

    • Florida Medicaid is a program jointly funded by federal and state monies to provide health care assistance to some people with low incomes. Children, families with children, pregnant women, elderly people and disabled people can all qualify for Medicaid in Florida. Medicaid covers a variety of health care services including visits to doctors, hospitalization, treatment in emergency rooms, mental health care, some dental care and prescription medications. Apply for Florida Medicaid at the Department of Children and Families office in the county in which you reside.

    Children's Health Insurance Program

    • The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides insurance for some children from families that do not qualify for Medicaid. In Florida, the Children's Health Insurance Program, also known as Florida KidCare, covers a variety of health care services, similar to those covered by Medicaid. It also covers comprehensive dental care for children. Call 800-821-5437 for more information or to apply.

    Hill-Burton Act

    • The Hill-Burton Act requires some health care facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes, that received federal money for construction in the past to provide a certain amount of free care to people in need. There are several facilities in Florida obligated by the Hill-Burton Act to provide free care, including the Apopka Family Health Center in Apopka, the Broward General Health Center in Fort Lauderdale, Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami and the Tampa Community Health Center in Tampa. Contact obligated facilities and ask how to apply for services under the Hill-Burton Act.

    Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act

    • Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, you can go to any hospital emergency room in any Florida hospital if you have a life-threatening illness or injury or if you are in active labor and receive treatment, even if you cannot pay and do not have any health insurance. The hospital may send you a bill later, in which case you can telephone the billing department to make payment arrangements or inquire about financial assistance programs offered through the hospital. Hospital staff will not deny you treatment when you arrive at the emergency room, however.

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