Sen. Rich Criticizes Republicans Over KidCare

Sen. Nan Rich, D-Weston, chided Republican legislators Wednesday over their failure to pass legislation that would have allowed Florida to take advantage of millions in federal dollars to fund KidCare, the state program that provides health coverage to uninsured children.

Rich, the Democratic leader in the Senate, sponsored SB 2082 during the regular 2010 legislative session. The bill would have declared children under the age of 1 eligible for the program, allowed recipients to stay on KidCare for one year despite any change in their circumstances, and opened up coverage to the lawful immigrant children regardless of when they entered the country. These provisions would make the state more in line with federal regulations and allowed Florida to pull down $206 million in matching funds from the federal government. The bill died in committee earlier this year.

"It galls me to see Florida risk losing this money. Failing to make our state eligible for this grant program not only leaves thousands of children at risk, it leaves our taxpayers footing another high-dollar bill for frantic trips to emergency rooms," Rich said.

Florida could still qualify for the grant funds, which are available through 2013, but legislation is needed in 2011.