LUTZ, Fla. — A state judge has refused to order Florida healthcare officials to implement a 2023 law that would expand eligibility for Florida KidCare, a program that provides subsidized health insurance for children.

BELOW: Read the judge’s ruling (PDF)

The decision comes after a lawsuit filed earlier this year sought to force the state to comply with the expansion. Instead, the judge ruled the plaintiffs must pursue their claim through a state administrative court.

For families waiting on the expansion, the ruling means continued uncertainty.

Natasha Dones, a school teacher and single mother, says the expansion would make a significant difference for her family.

Her 6-year-old daughter, Hailey, is preparing to start first grade.

“She loves reading. She loves doing math. She’s a happy girl,” Dones said.

In addition to teaching, Dones works a second job to help pay the bills. Even with the extra income, she says covering basic expenses is a constant challenge.

“It’s nerve-wracking because I have this bill to pay or the rent. I cannot be short on certain things,” she said.

Dones says she cannot afford health insurance coverage for her daughter and has been paying for medical care out of pocket.

Florida KidCare is designed for children whose families earn too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid programs. Coverage is income-based, with many families paying nothing or as little as $15 to $20 per month.

Dones applied for the program but was denied because her household income exceeds 200% of the federal poverty line, which is just under $55,000 for a three-person household.

A 2023 amendment to Florida law would expand eligibility to families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty line.

However, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration stated it cannot implement the expansion until it resolves a lawsuit with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding certain aspects of the expansion.

“It’s frustrating because I was so close where I could have qualified,” Dones said.

Katie Roders Turner, executive director of the Family Healthcare Foundation, said affordable health coverage is critical for families.

“Access to affordable coverage is incredibly important for families and for children,” Turner said.

She added that many families are struggling with the cost of adding dependents or spouses to employer-sponsored health plans.

“We are seeing a lot of families face that — the cost to add dependents or spouses. It causes them to have to make really challenging decisions,” Turner said.

Dones says private insurance and coverage through her employer remain too expensive, leaving her to pay for her daughter’s medical care herself.

“Not only save as far as not having to pay so much out of pocket, but I won’t have to be nervous as to where would the money come from if I don’t have enough,” she said.

For now, Dones says she continues to save what she can for doctor visits and hopes her daughter avoids a medical emergency.

Following the judge’s decision, Florida Health Justice, which filed the lawsuit against the state healthcare agency earlier this year, issued a statement expressing disappointment.

“We, and our clients, are disappointed by this decision,” the statement said. “We continue to believe AHCA and Florida Health Kids Corporation have a duty to implement laws passed by the Florida Legislature, and that they have no legally valid reason to block a law that the state’s legislative branch and the federal government have both approved.”