Hillsborough Health Care provides a crucial safety net for vulnerable residents of Hillsborough County who may fall through the cracks of the traditional healthcare system. It aims to ensure that even individuals without the means to secure coverage from major healthcare plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, can still access the necessary medical services.
This comprehensive managed care program, uniquely funded through a special sales tax, is wholly overseen and coordinated by the local government of Hillsborough County. Here is a step-by-step guide to secure vital healthcare coverage for potential beneficiaries.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify for the Hillsborough Health Care Plan. These criteria include:
- Residency
The applicant must be a resident of Hillsborough County. It can be proven using any two documents from the acceptable list.
- Citizenship/Legal Residency
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or a documented legal resident of the U.S.
- Income
The applicant must be at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. It includes income from all sources, including wages, pensions, public assistance, etc.
- Assets
The applicant must meet asset allowance guidelines. These include checking and savings accounts, automobiles (other than the first), homes (other than the homestead), and stocks and bonds, among other things.
- No Other Health Care Coverage
The applicant must not be eligible for any other health care coverage, including Medicare and Medicaid. Suppose the applicant is part of the Medically Needy Program. In that case, they may be eligible for the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan.
Acceptable Documentation List
Hillsborough Health Care requires proof of Hillsborough County residency for eligibility. Applicants can provide two documents from a comprehensive list, including driver’s licenses, utility bills, school enrollment records, and more.
Below are the types of documents that can be used to prove residency within Hillsborough County:
- Valid and current driver’s license or Florida State ID card with a Hillsborough County address
- Receipt of mortgage, current lease, rental payment, or letter from a landlord. (Note: Motel receipts are not accepted as proof of residency)
- Proof of home ownership within Hillsborough County
- Homestead exemption document
- Public utility bill in the name of the applicant or spouse with a Hillsborough County address
- Hillsborough County voter registration card
- Proof of enrollment of applicant’s children in a school in Hillsborough County
- Residency documented through a social service agency or another County department’s case record.
- Canceled mail from a federal, state, or county agency addressed to the applicant or spouse at a local address.
- Written verification from a community agency
- Verification from the post office of mail received at an address in Hillsborough County by the applicant or spouse
- Vehicle registration in the name of the applicant with a residential address within Hillsborough County
- Unity Card/Metropolitan Ministries ID, a free ID provided to homeless individuals living in Hillsborough County
- Declaration of domicile recorded with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Hillsborough County.
Fees
One of the key features of the Hillsborough Health Care Plan is its affordability. As a program designed to assist residents with limited income and assets, Hillsborough Health Care is committed to minimizing financial burdens for its members.
Furthermore, while there are no fees to apply for the plan, applicants may need to consider potential costs associated with gathering the required documentation, especially if obtaining certain documents involves fees.
Benefits
The Hillsborough Health Care Plan provides expansive benefits designed to offer eligible Hillsborough County residents comprehensive health care. The primary aim is to support individuals and families who might not otherwise have access to adequate medical care due to their limited income and assets and are not covered under other healthcare plans like Medicare or Medicaid.
These services include:
- Primary Care
Primary care physicians are usually patients’ first point of contact, providing preventive care and treating various health conditions. It includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, health screenings, and treatment for common illnesses.
- Specialty Care
Members requiring specialized medical attention for specific health conditions can be referred to specialty care services. It can include a range of care from cardiologists, endocrinologists, orthopedic surgeons, and more.
- Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment
Whether a member needs to be hospitalized for a procedure or can be treated on an outpatient basis, the Hillsborough Health Care Plan covers many treatments. It ensures that members receive necessary medical care regardless of the treatment setting.
- Pharmaceuticals
The Plan covers prescription medications, helping to ensure members have access to the necessary drugs to manage their health conditions.
- Other Medically Necessary Services
The Hillsborough Health Care Plan covers other services deemed medically necessary by a health care professional. These could include diagnostic tests, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other necessary treatments or interventions.
Through this extensive coverage, Hillsborough Health Care Plan provides crucial support to its members, assisting them in maintaining their health and well-being.
Things to Consider Before Applying
Before submitting your application for the Hillsborough Health Care program, it’s crucial to understand what the program considers as income and assets. These determinations are important factors in establishing your eligibility for the program.
Income Consideration
The Hillsborough Health Care Plan considers various types of income when determining an applicant’s eligibility. When completing your application, you will be asked to list your income sources, including:
- Wages, tips, and money earned through self-employment (less business costs)
- Social Security/Railroad Retirement and Disability benefits
- Veterans Affairs (VA) income, pensions, civil service pensions, unemployment benefits
- Regular payments received, such as child support, alimony, stipends
- Passive income, including dividends, interest income, rental income, estate/trust income, annuity income
- Public assistance funds, grants, scholarships, and student loans (less tuition, books, fees, and other school-related costs)
- Income from odd jobs, day labor, temp pools, babysitting, house cleaning, flea market sales, lawn mowing, etc.
Asset Consideration
In addition to income, the Hillsborough Health Care Plan also considers an applicant’s assets when determining eligibility. When completing your application, you will be asked to list your assets, which may include:
- Financial holdings such as checking and savings accounts, profit-sharing accounts, deferred compensation accounts, IRAs, insurance policies with cash value, certificates of deposit (CDs), money market accounts, trusts
- Physical properties and goods, including additional automobiles (beyond the first), homes other than the primary residence, acreage, trailers not used as the primary residence, lots
- Recreational vehicles, boats
- Stocks and bonds
How to Apply
Applying for the Hillsborough Health Care Plan is an important step towards securing comprehensive health care coverage if you are a Hillsborough County resident with limited income and assets and don’t qualify for other health care coverage.
To apply for the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan (HCHCP), follow these steps:
- Visit the ACES online client portal, which allows you to create your account and apply for the HCHCP and health care services.
- Create your account by providing the required information, such as your name, email address, and password.
- Once your account is created, log in and begin the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan application process.
- Fill out the application form with the necessary information, including your details, income sources, and assets.
- Upload the required documentation to prove your Hillsborough County residency and other eligibility criteria.
- Review your application for completeness and accuracy, then submit it.
- Monitor your account for updates on the status of your application.
Please note that during the application, you will be asked to provide details about your income and assets and furnish proof of Hillsborough County residency.
HCHCP Client User Guide for Assistance
If you encounter any difficulties or questions during your application process, please refer to the HCHCP Client User Guide. This comprehensive guide offers step-by-step assistance, ensuring you can complete your application.
Guidance after Enrollment
Successfully enrolling in the Hillsborough Health Care Plan is the first step towards securing comprehensive health care coverage as a Hillsborough County resident who does not qualify for other coverage options. However, the journey doesn’t end at enrollment.
Clinic Selection Process
Once your application is approved and you are officially a member of the Hillsborough Health Care Plan, you must select one of the neighborhood clinics as your designated medical clinic. This clinic will serve as your primary point of care for all your medical needs.
Referral to Specialists and Hospital Admission
Within the Hillsborough Health Care system, your primary care provider (PCP) is your main contact for health concerns. Your PCP, based at your chosen clinic, is responsible for coordinating your overall care. It includes making any necessary referrals to specialists for particular medical needs.
Should your medical condition require hospital admission, your primary care provider (PCP) will manage this process, coordinating with the appropriate hospital to ensure you receive the necessary care. Remember, your PCP guides your health journey and facilitates all aspects of your medical care under the Hillsborough Health Care Plan.
Apply Today
If you fit the eligibility criteria, you are encouraged to apply and take the first step toward securing a healthier future for yourself and your family. The process is designed to be user-friendly, and support is readily available to guide you throughout. Don’t miss this opportunity to leverage the benefits of this comprehensive healthcare plan.
If you wish to know more about Hillsborough County’s events and programs, click on the link here.