The Hillsborough County Health Care Program (HCHCP) stands as a critical resource for residents of Hillsborough County who are facing financial constraints and lack access to health insurance. This comprehensive managed care program is specifically designed for individuals and families who do not qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, or other forms of health care coverage due to income and asset limitations. Funded through a dedicated sales tax, the HCHCP is expertly administered by Hillsborough County to ensure that essential health services are accessible to those who need them most within the community.
Understanding What the Hillsborough County Health Care Program Covers
The HCHCP offers a wide spectrum of health care services to its members, ensuring comprehensive medical support. Key coverage areas include:
- Primary and Specialty Care: Access to a network of doctors for routine check-ups and specialized medical treatments.
- Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment: Coverage for hospital stays and procedures performed both within the hospital and in outpatient settings.
- Pharmaceuticals: Assistance with the cost of necessary prescription medications.
- Medically Necessary Services: Coverage extends to other health services deemed medically necessary to maintain or improve health.
This robust coverage aims to provide a safety net, ensuring that residents have access to the medical care they require without the burden of unaffordable costs.
Fees and Accessibility of the Program
A significant benefit of the Hillsborough County Health Care Program is its commitment to affordability. Eligible members incur no out-of-pocket expenses for services covered under the plan. This no-cost access is crucial for removing financial barriers to healthcare for low-income residents.
Determining Your Eligibility for Hillsborough County Health Care
Eligibility for the Hillsborough County Health Care Program is determined by several key criteria, ensuring that the program effectively serves its intended population. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Residency: Applicants must be current residents of Hillsborough County.
- Citizenship or Legal Residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or documented legal residents of the United States.
- Lack of Other Health Coverage: Applicants must not be eligible for other health care coverage options, including Medicare and Medicaid. Notably, participants in the Medically Needy Program may still be eligible for the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan, offering a potential pathway for those with significant medical needs.
- Income Limits: Household income must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. These guidelines are updated annually and provide a clear income threshold for eligibility. Refer to the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the most current information.
- Asset Limits: Applicants must also meet specific asset allowance guidelines, ensuring the program serves those with genuine financial need.
Proof of Hillsborough County Residency: Acceptable Documentation
To verify residency in Hillsborough County, applicants need to provide documentation. Acceptable forms of proof include any two of the following:
- Valid and current driver’s license or Florida State ID card showing a Hillsborough County address.
- Current mortgage receipt, lease agreement, rental payment receipt, or a letter from a landlord (motel receipts are not accepted).
- Proof of home ownership within Hillsborough County.
- Homestead exemption documents.
- A public utility bill (such as water, electricity, or gas) in the applicant’s or spouse’s name with a Hillsborough County address.
- Hillsborough County voter registration card.
- Proof of children’s enrollment in a Hillsborough County school.
- Residency documentation from a social service agency or another Hillsborough County department’s case record.
- Cancelled mail from a federal, state, or county agency addressed to the applicant or spouse at a local Hillsborough County address.
- Written verification from a recognized community agency.
- Verification from the post office confirming mail receipt at a Hillsborough County address for the applicant or spouse.
- Vehicle registration in the applicant’s name with a residential address within Hillsborough County.
- Unity Card/Metropolitan Ministries ID (a free ID for homeless individuals in Hillsborough County).
- Declaration of domicile recorded with the Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Defining Income for Hillsborough County Health Care Program Eligibility
When applying for the Hillsborough County Health Care Program, it’s important to accurately identify all sources of income. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Wages, tips, and earnings from self-employment (after deducting business costs).
- Social Security/Railroad Retirement and/or Disability income.
- VA income, pensions, Civil Service payments, unemployment benefits, child support, alimony, dividends, interest income, and stipends.
- Money received from another person, annuity income, rental income, workers’ compensation, estate/trust income, public assistance, grants, scholarships, and student loans (minus tuition, books, fees, and other school-related expenses).
- Income from odd jobs, day labor, temporary work pools, babysitting, house cleaning, flea market sales, and lawn mowing.
All these income sources are considered when determining eligibility.
Understanding Assets for Eligibility Assessment
In addition to income, assets are also considered for Hillsborough County Health Care Program eligibility. Assets include:
- Checking and savings accounts, profit-sharing accounts, deferred compensation accounts, IRAs, insurance policies with cash value, certificates of deposit (CDs), money market accounts, and trusts.
- Vehicles, beyond the first vehicle.
- Homes other than the primary homestead, acreage, non-homesteaded trailers, and vacant lots.
- Boats and recreational vehicles.
- Stocks and bonds.
Disclosure of these assets is required during the application process.
How to Apply and Access Health Care Services
To apply for the Hillsborough County Health Care Program, you can typically apply online through the Hillsborough County official website, making the process convenient and accessible.
Once enrolled in the Hillsborough Health Care program, you will select a neighborhood clinic from the program’s network to serve as your primary medical clinic. Upon enrollment and clinic selection, the primary care physician at your chosen clinic will manage your healthcare needs, providing referrals to specialists and arranging hospital admissions when necessary. This coordinated care approach ensures seamless and effective healthcare delivery.
Get Help with Your Application
For further assistance or if you have questions about the Hillsborough County Health Care Program, you can contact the Department of Health Care Services.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (813) 272-5040
They are available to provide guidance and support throughout the application process and to answer any queries you may have about the program.
