Children in KidCare program climbs, but there are fewer than last year

Tallahassee, Florida (AP) — The number of children getting health care coverage through the state has increased since January, but the numbers remain slightly lower compared to a year ago.

Nearly 225,000 children are currently enrolled in the program, called KidCare. It offers health insurance at a deep discount.

There are about 3,000 fewer children in the program now than last July, and more than 100,000 fewer from the program's peak in 2004.

But the numbers have been increasing over the last six months and child advocates hope the trend continues.

Florida has made it easier for families to apply for coverage, including an option to fill out applications on the Internet.

KidCare says the program is reaching out to children under the age of five whose families were denied coverage in the past because they made too much money.

Now the revised program allows them to enroll if they pay a full premium of $159 a month.