Polk County expanded its HealthCare Plan eligibility to 300% of the federal poverty level and streamlined the application process. Do you qualify?

If you’re wondering whether you or a local family member might qualify under the newly expanded rules, here is how the updated eligibility criteria break down:

2026 Income Limits (300% Federal Poverty Level)

Household SizeMax Monthly IncomeMax Annual Income
1 Person$3,990$47,880
2 Persons$5,410$64,920
3 Persons$6,830$81,960
4 Persons$8,250$99,000
5 Persons$9,670$116,040

(For households larger than 8, add $17,040 per year for each additional person.)

Core Qualification Checklist

To be eligible for the Polk HealthCare Plan (PHP), you must meet the following criteria:

  • Residency: Be a full-time resident of Polk County.
  • Legal Status: Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
  • Coverage Status: Have no health insurance, OR have insurance where premiums cost 9.12% or more of your household income.
  • Documentation: Have a valid Social Security number and a Florida driver’s license or state-issued photo ID.

Streamlined Requirements

Under the updated rules, the application process requires fewer documents:

  1. One Proof of Income: Submit just one month of pay stubs, your most recent tax return, or a Social Security statement.
  2. One Proof of Residency: A utility bill, vehicle registration, Florida ID, or homestead statement.

Applications are submitted online at polkhealthcareplan.net. If you need in-person assistance filling it out, you can visit the Community Health Care administrative office on Marshall Edwards Drive in Bartow.

(Visited 26 times, 1 visits today)
See also  City of Lakeland