Income Limit Increase for Polk Heal...Income Limit Increase for Polk...

Income Limit Increase for Polk HealthCare Plan Eligibility

Published: July 23, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (July 23, 2026) - The income guidelines have changed for Polk HealthCare Plan (PHP) eligibility. At the July 21 public hearing, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved a change to the Indigent Health Care Plan Extension Ordinance (No. 2015-076) which increases the maximum income eligibility for PHP to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Previously, the maximum income limit for PHP eligibility was set at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

"This increase in the maximum income limit is an effort to adapt to the evolving socioeconomic conditions impacting residents in Polk County," said Polk County Health and Human Services Administrator Joy Johnson. "Even though families may be making more money than in previous years due to changes in minimum wage, the increased cost of living is still causing many to face impossible decisions when it comes to meeting their basic needs - often they may forgo health care altogether or only access emergent and more costly care once a health condition has become so severe it is life-threatening. By increasing the maximum income limit for PHP eligibility, we are trying to ease the burden on families by creating a pathway to affordable healthcare access."

In addition to the income limit change, PHP applicants are now only required to submit one form of proof of income, in addition to proof of Polk County residency, as part of their application. This change simplifies the application process by reducing the amount of documentation required. Acceptable forms of proof of income include one month of pay stubs, the previous year's tax return or the applicant's Social Security statement.

Other requirements to qualify for health coverage through PHP include:

• Being a full-time resident of Polk County
• Being a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
• Providing a Social Security number
• Providing a valid Florida-issued driver license or U.S. government-issued photo ID card

Applicants must also not have any other form of health care coverage or health insurance available to them. Applicants who meet the income and residency requirements but are offered health insurance coverage through their employer may still be eligible if the cost of their health insurance premiums equal 9.12% or more of their household income. Applicants who meet the income and residency requirements but are waiting to qualify for Medicaid may also qualify.

More information about PHP is available at https://www.polkhealthcareplan.net/.

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.