Financial Assistance

At Ocaquatics Swim School, our mission is to make swimming accessible to families across our Miami community. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn this life-saving skill, and we're passionate about supporting swimmers who need financial assistance to take lessons.


To help make this possible, we partner with nonprofit organizations like Every Child a Swimmer (ECAS) and Ripples of Impact (ROI).  These collaborations allow us to offer financial aid to those in need.

Scholarships Qualifications

Every Child a Swimmer (ECAS) caters to families where the swimmer(s) are aged 2.6 or older, in a beginner level (Water Bug, Advanced Water Bug, Level 1, or Level 2.)


Ripples of Impact (ROI) caters to families where the swimmer(s) is aged 6 months or older, in any level.


To determine eligibility for financial assistance, we work closely with both organizations to review necessary income documents. These documents are either the previous year's tax returns that show qualifying income or a Medicaid card. Must be able to prove financial need by showing proof of a Medicaid Gold Card along with a copy of the insurance card (example: UnitedHealthcare, Simply, etc.) OR the most recent tax return showing household income by meeting the current Income Eligibility Guidelines(link) for low-income families as set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Miami-Dade County.


Below you will find the qualifying income limits based on family size in order to be eligible for the scholarships provided. (Effective April 1, 2024.)

Family Size Low Income (80% of AMI)
1 $63,550
2 $72,650
3 $81,700
4 $90,800
5 $98,100
6 $105,350
7 $112,600
8 $119,900
9 $127,150
10 $122,200


Notes on Eligibility:

  • The maximum yearly income limit for each family size is the threshold to qualify as "Low Income" (80% of AMI).
  • Household size is based on the number of individuals in the family including children under the tax return.


If you have any further questions please email us at scholarships@ocaquatics.com.


Did You Know?

Your Health Insurance May Cover Your Swim Lessons

Several health insurance companies in Florida provide credits or reimbursements for children’s swim lessons, mainly through Medicaid Managed Care plans. These benefits aim to promote water safety and prevent drowning, which is a major concern in Florida due to its many water bodies. Below is a list of health insurance companies offering this benefit along with key details:


1. Sunshine Health (Medicaid Managed Care Plan)

  • Benefit: Up to $200 per year for swim lessons.
  • Eligibility: Children aged 6 months to 12 years.
  • Details: Swim lessons must be at approved locations. The goal is to teach children water safety and skills.


2. Humana Healthy Horizons in Florida (Medicaid)

  • Benefit: Up to $200 per year for swim lessons.
  • Eligibility: Families with children aged 6 months to 12 years.
  • Details: Lessons must be with approved instructors or facilities to help prevent water-related accidents.


3. Simply Healthcare Plans (Medicaid)

  • Benefit: Up to $200 per year for swim lessons.
  • Eligibility: Families with children aged 6 months to 12 years.
  • Details: Swim lessons must be provided by participating instructors or facilities, focusing on drowning prevention.


4. Staywell Health Plan (WellCare) (Medicaid)

  • Benefit: Up to $200 per year for swim lessons.
  • Eligibility: Families with children aged 6 months to 12 years.
  • Details: This benefit promotes safety and wellness. Families should confirm approved swim lesson providers.


5. Molina Healthcare (Medicaid)

  • Benefit: May offer credits for swim lessons (amount may vary).
  • Eligibility: Typically for children within a certain age range (check with the health insurance company).
  • Details: Benefits include wellness programs like swim lessons. Contact Molina for specific details.


6. Florida Healthy Kids (Children’s Health Insurance Program)

  • Benefit: Some plans may provide swim lesson benefits or discounts.
  • Eligibility: Varies by plan.
  • Details: Families should review their specific plan details or contact customer service for clarification.

Note: Most commercial health insurance plans (like those from employers or Marketplace plans) do not cover swim lessons unless they are medically necessary for therapy.


Recommendations for Families:

  1. Contact Customer Service: Reach out to your insurance provider to confirm benefits and ask for details.
  2. Check Limitations: Ask about age limits, maximum benefit amounts, approved providers, and any required paperwork.
  3. Use Approved Providers: Make sure lessons are with network-approved instructors or facilities to qualify for money back.


Disclaimer: This information is provided by Ocaquatics as a courtesy and may change. Ocaquatics does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. Please contact the insurance provider directly for specific details.


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