About the Polk HealthCare Plan

The Polk HealthCare Plan (PHCP) was approved by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners on July 27, 1999 and became fully operational in December 1999. Funding for this Program is made possible by a voter approved ½ cent discretionary sales surtax for indigent health care services. Polk County voters overwhelmingly approved this initiative in March 2004. The Plan is reviewed on an on going basis and changes are implemented as appropriate. The Polk HealthCare Plan is operated by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners and administered by the Community Health and Social Services Division. The Plan’s goal is to provide an avenue for comprehensive quality health care services in a cost effective and efficient manner for qualified Polk County residents. The targeted population served by this Program is those individuals who have limited income, limited assets, are uninsured or underinsured and have no other medical benefits available to them (Medicaid, Medicare, other commercial insurance). Medical services are available to eligible clients through a county-wide network of care that has been made possible through many public/private partnerships with hospitals, physicians, diagnostic testing facilities and other medical professionals. The spending of the ½ cent discretionary sales surtax is overseen by a Citizens Oversight Committee whose members are appointed by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.

Other Facts

• The Polk HealthCare Plan is a managed care program administered by your local County government.
• The Polk HealthCare Plan is not a licensed insurance company.
• The Polk HealthCare Plan does not use a Third Party Administrator – Authorizations and claims are processed by employed staff and paid by the County Clerk of Courts.
• The Polk HealthCare Plan serves a population that is not eligible for other Federal and State programs such as Medicaid or Medicare.
• Many clients served by the Polk HealthCare Plan are working individuals who have families and either do not have insurance available to them through their employer or can not afford health insurance and be able to provide for their families.
• The Polk HealthCare Plan is for Polk County residents who met established eligibility criteria and promotes access to health care benefits through local health care provider partners.
• All referrals, authorizations, pre-certifications, claims processing and adjudication is conducted by employed staff – allowing for excellent customer service.