More Florida children will soon have easier access to state-subsidized health insurance.
Gov. Charlie Crist signed a bill Tuesday that shortens the time families must wait before switching to KidCare after losing private coverage. It also allows a family that had KidCare dropped for failure to pay to get back into the system more quickly.
Florida KidCare includes the Healthy Kids program, which subsidizes insurance for low-income families through state and federal funds.
Nearly 176,000 children are enrolled in Healthy Kids, which subsidizes the cost of health insurance to families who make up to 200 percent of the federal poverty limit. That's $44,000 a year for a family of four.
Posted: 11/12/2012 - Continuing the recognition of local men and women in uniform, Bay County's annual Veterans Day parade takes place in downtown Panama City Monday.
Updated: 07/13/2012 - Panama City - Sports camps are a favorite summer activity for thousands of kids across Northwest Florida, now drama camps are gaining popularity locally. Two dozen elementary and middle school students are busy putting the finishing touches on their presentation of "The Little Mermaid Jr."
Updated: 07/10/2012 - Panama City - It's certainly the opportunity of a lifetime! Sixteen-year-old Bailey Reese, of Niceville, carried the Olympic torch through Bisham Abbey in England Tuesday morning.
Updated: 07/10/2012 - Panama City - School doesn't start for another several weeks, but a Panama City Rescue Mission program that helps students in need get ready for the new year is already busy getting families signed up. New this year, "Klothes for Kids" is doing on-site registration at places like Girls Inc. and the Boys and Girls Club. That makes it even easier for families to get the help they need.