Health Care In Polk County Now Accessible To More Low-Income Residents

POLK COUNTY, FL — Beginning Oct. 1, health care will be more accessible for Polk County’s medically vulnerable residents. At its Sept. 22 meeting, the Citizens Healthcare Oversight Committee approved relaxing income requirements for participation in the Polk HealthCare Plan from 168 to 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

Previously, to be eligible for PHP, a family of three could earn no more than $50,400 annually. Now they can earn up to $60,000 per year and still qualify.

This change is in part a reflection of the minimum wage increase occurring in Florida on Sept. 30. Families may make more money now due to higher pay but, thanks to the escalating cost of living, they still may not be able to afford health care.

PHP was created as a last resort for residents with no other options for health care coverage. It is funded by a voter-approved half-cent sales tax, and it must be spent to help the county’s indigent population.

To qualify for membership in the PHP, you must:

• Be a full-time resident of Polk County;
• Have no health insurance coverage or medical coverage;
• Have no or low household income;
• Provide a Social Security number;
• Provide a valid Florida-issued driver’s license or ID card; and
• Provide two proofs of residency and proof of income.

PHP gives members access to comprehensive health care coverage through a network of locally contracted providers. The plan is not insurance and members do not pay annual deductibles, monthly fees, enrollment fees or submit claim forms. Members only pay small copays for doctor visits or filled prescriptions. PHP partners with licensed medical providers in the community to offer:

• Primary and specialty care;
• Behavioral health care;
• Annual preventive screenings;
• Emergency room care;
• Urgent care;
• In-patient services;
• Prescriptions;
• Joint replacements; and
• Medical tests

For more information about the PHP, click here or call 863-533-1111.