Published: May 27, 2025
Bartow, Fla. (May 27, 2025) — Eligibility requirements for the Polk HealthCare Plan have changed. Now applicants will only be required to provide one form of proof of residency.
Previously, two forms of proof of Polk County residency were required to qualify to receive benefits under the plan. The change will address the primary obstacle for prospective plan members, which is providing documentation to satisfy proof of residency and income.
“Polk’s medically vulnerable population faces the unthinkable challenge of meeting competing basic needs,” said Joy Johnson, administrator for Polk County’s Health and Human Services Division. “By amending the eligibility requirement to one proof of residency, we are hoping to remove some of the barriers that residents face when trying to meet their basic healthcare needs.”
Polk HealthCare Plan applicants cannot have any other health coverage or insurance and must provide a Social Security number. Applicants must also provide proof of income and be living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
To learn more about the Polk HealthCare Plan or to apply, Polk residents can visit https://polkhealthcareplan.net/getting-started/.
About the Polk HealthCare Plan
The Polk HealthCare Plan is health coverage for Polk residents who do not have insurance or any other health coverage and who also have limited income. The Polk HealthCare Plan partners with licensed medical providers in the community to connect residents with the care they need for: primary care, specialty care, behavioral healthcare, urgent care, emergency services and prescription services. The Polk HealthCare Plan is not insurance, and members do not pay annual deductibles, monthly fees, enrollment fees or submit claim forms. The plan is administered by the Community Health Care section of Polk County’s Health and Human Services Division and is funded by the voter-approved, half-cent sales surtax for indigent healthcare in Polk County, Florida.