Hillsborough County Health Care Plan Changing Income Eligibility Requirement For Residents

BLOOMINGDALE - RIVERVIEW, FL — Changes are coming to the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan, including added dental benefits, following Wednesday's Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners' meeting.

The county commissioners unanimously approved to expand benefits in 2022 under the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan, a news release said.

An increase in the number of residents eligible for the plan will also take effect in January after the commissioners unanimously approved a recommendation to raise eligibility from at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty to 175 percent.

This plan provides health care benefits to the most vulnerable residents. Dental benefits will be available for the first time as part of the plan with an annual cap of $2,500, officials said. The County’s Health Care Plan is a comprehensive managed care program for residents with limited income and assets who do not qualify for other health care coverage. Primary and specialty care, outpatient treatment and assistance with prescriptions are included in the plan.

County officials also said increasing the income eligibility levels will make the plan available to residents who can’t afford traditional medical insurance but had previously fallen through the cracks for assistance.

Changes to the plan will go into effect on Jan. 1. Residents can begin to apply for the expanded benefits beginning Jan. 1.