Healthcare

ENSURING YOUR CHILD HAS ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE DEMONSTRATES ACCOUNTABILITY 

In Florida, healthcare is a crucial factor in child custody cases. Courts prioritize the "best interest of the child," which means ensuring their physical and mental well-being, and a parent's ability to provide proper medical care is a key indicator of their fitness to raise a child.3 Neglecting a child's healthcare needs can be considered child neglect, potentially impacting custody decisions significantly. 

Healthcare Considerations:

  • Florida courts use this standard to determine custody, meaning the child's overall welfare, including their health, is paramount. 

"Best Interest of the Child“

  • A parent's ability to access and provide necessary medical care is considered when assessing their fitness to be a custodian. Not ensuring the child receives medical care can determine a parent to be “unfit” to parent.

Parental Fitness Evaluation

Medical Neglect as a Factor

  • If a parent fails to seek appropriate medical treatment for a child's health issues, it can be seen as neglect and negatively impact their custody standing. 

Court Evaluation

  • Demonstrating a history of access to care and the ability to manage medical appointments could be evaluated in court.

Families Can Count on Florida KidCare

Florida KidCare offers high-quality, income-based health insurance just for kids. Costs are based on a child’s age, household size and adjusted gross annual income. Many families pay just $15 or $20 a month to cover all qualifying children in the household.

Florida KidCare is designed specifically with kids in mind, giving them access to the health services they need throughout each stage of growth and development.

Easy, Year-Round Enrollment

Our simple, free application makes it easy to apply online through the Florida KidCare Parent Portal or call 1-888-540-5437 to request a paper application.

Enrollment is open year-round, so the best time to apply is always now!

NEED HELP FINDING AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE?

Covering Florida offers free navigation assistance for the Health Insurance Marketplace. 

Visit their website and connect with a navigator:

3 Easy Steps to Finding Affordable Coverage

Health Insurance Marketplace Help (877) 813-9115 
GET COVERED

Connecting Communities to Care
The Family Healthcare Foundation connects Tampa Bay families to affordable healthcare options.

The Family Healthcare Foundation helps people and families in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Polk Counties find healthcare that fits their needs. We work to make sure everyone gets the care they need to stay healthy. Our goal is to make it easier for people to get the right healthcare and improve the health of our communities.

Call Now (813) 995-7005

Thank You

For Supporting Our Healthcare, Custody, & Co-Parenting Education Initiative

Published Articles

Healthcare is a major factor in custody cases as courts prioritize the child’s best interests. A parent’s ability to make informed medical decisions and ensure necessary care is provided can greatly influence the custody arrangements.

Healthcare & Child Custody

Healthcare Decisions with Shared Parental Responsibility

Shared parental responsibility means a court-ordered relationship in which both parents retain full parental rights and responsibilities with respect to their child. The expectation is that co-parents will communicate, confer and major decisions affecting the child’s wellbeing will be determined jointly