How to Apply for the Polk HealthCare Plan
The Polk HealthCare Plan (PHP) provides health coverage for Polk County residents with limited income and no current coverage. The Polk HealthCare Plan is not health insurance. The plan helps ensure that residents have access to essential medical care. This includes services such as primary care, specialty care, behavioral healthcare, urgent care, emergency services and prescription services.
Do you qualify for the Polk HealthCare Plan?
The first step in applying for the Polk HealthCare Plan is to learn if you qualify. Here are a few resources to help you determine if you meet the qualifications:
- Review our Eligibility and Requirements page for income specifics.
- Join us at one of our daily events and talk with a representative of PHP. Locations vary each day.
- Call customer service at (863) 533-1111 to learn more about PHP over the phone or schedule an appointment to come into the office.
A few things will prevent you from being eligible. To be a plan member, you cannot have any other healthcare coverage, and you must be a resident of Polk County, Florida. In some instances, if you are waiting to hear a decision from Medicaid or Medicare, the plan will cover you during the waiting period.
Gather the documentation needed to apply.
If you think you qualify, the next step is to collect the necessary information for your application.
You will need to provide one proof of income and two proofs of Polk County residency to qualify for membership.
Any (1) of the following documents will meet the requirement for proof of income:
- Court-ordered child support or alimony payments
- Expense records (bank/credit statement, profit and loss statement)
- Pay stub(s) (one month of pay stubs)
- PELL Grant award letter
- Pension documents
- Proof of rental income
- Self-employment tax form
- Social Security award letter
- Tax return
- Unemployment award letter
- Verification of earnings form
- Workers’ compensation
Any (2) of the following documents will meet the requirement for proof of residency:
- Driver License / State Identification Card
- Federal or State agency award letter / check
- Lexis Nexis Report
- Proof of employment, i.e., Pay stub with home address listed
- Property tax statement
- Proof of homestead ownership / purchase
- Rental verification completed by landlord
- Rent receipt / lease agreement
- Shelter/residential facility letter
- Utility bill (electric, water, gas bill)
- Voter Registration Card
Our case management team can help you find or access the necessary documentation. For assistance, call (863) 533-1111.
Make an appointment or fill out the application online.
With your documentation you can:
- Visit the Community Health Care administrative office located at 2135 Marshall Edwards Dr., Bartow 33830 (Walk-ins welcome)
- Schedule an in-person appointment by calling (863) 533-1111
- Apply online
Get your answer about health care eligibility.
Once all of your documents are signed and submitted, you will either be approved or denied. A case manager will contact you with an approval or denial. If approved, your coverage will begin on the 1st or 15th day of the month.
Start your Polk HealthCare Plan application today!