2006 Florida Children's Summit
Compilation of Commitment Issues
| Click here to see the Summit recommendations for this issue. |
Have access to health care, with emphasis on preventive care.
More than 500,000 children remain uninsured in Florida, and studies show that nearly two-thirds of them would qualify for government-subsidized health insurance. There are four different state entities that deal with children's health insurance, and families find it confusing to navigate. The state has cut funding for outreach and marketing.
Even more challenging is the complex, fractured health care delivery system for children with developmental disabilities and medically complex conditions.
Many physicians, dentists and specialists no longer accept children on Medicaid because the state reimbursement levels are so low. We need to streamline health care services - including mental health services - and make services available to all children.