Brevard’s Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos Appointed Chair of Florida Healthy Kids Board of Directors
By Space Coast Daily // December 11, 2018
Florida Healthy Kids Corp. expands access to affordable, child-centered health insurance
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Brevard County physician Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos has been appointed as Chair of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation Board of Directors.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced the appointment on Monday.
She was previously appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to serve on the Board of Medicine in May 2017, where she most recently served as Chair of the Rules and Legislative Committee and Vice-Chair of the Probation Committee.
Dr. Haridopolos has also held positions with the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence Foundation, the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, and Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Florida Statewide Drug Task Force.
She is a board-certified family medicine physician who completed her residency at Albany Medical Center in New York.
“I’m thrilled to take on this new role to help even more of Florida’s children get the care they need and deserve,” said Dr. Haridopolos.
“Florida Healthy Kids has been covering millions of children for 28 years and working alongside the entire board, I know we can build on this success. I appreciate CFO Patronis’ leadership on this important issue and look forward to serving Florida well.”
The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation is a nonprofit, public-private partnership created by the Florida Legislature to expand access to affordable, child-centered health insurance.
The Corporation administers Florida Healthy Kids, a comprehensive health and dental insurance program for Florida children from age 5 through the end of age 18. The Corporation is governed by a Board of Directors and is chaired by Florida’s Chief Financial Officer or his designee.
“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Haridopolos as Board Chair,” said Rebecca Matthews, CEO of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation.
“Her years of experience as a practicing family physician, coupled with her expansive knowledge of health care policy, make her an extraordinary selection to lead our Board of Directors in the years ahead. The Corporation will undoubtedly reach new heights with her guidance, and we look forward to working with her.”
Patronis is a native Floridian and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services.
“Dr. Haridopolos’ medical expertise and her leadership will bring a fresh perspective to Florida Healthy Kids,” said Patronis.
“A recent report noted that the number of uninsured children across the nation has increased. One of the first issues I’ve asked her to focus on is to find innovative ways to increase the number of children enrolled in the program.
“With the news that Healthy Kids will not raise monthly premiums for subsidy and full-pay plans in 2019, it’s important that we find new opportunities to ensure no Florida child goes without health insurance. I look forward to working with Dr. Haridopolos to keep our children safe and healthy.”
Related Story:Palm Point Behavioral Health Opens in Brevard, Expands Access to Meet Growing Needs of Community
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