Direct answer: 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, effective July 21, 2026 (it was 200%). The county's table lists $47,880 a year for one person and $99,000 for a household of four.
Short answer: what changed in July 2026
300% of the Federal Poverty Level, effective July 21, 2026 (it was 200%). The county's table lists $47,880 a year for one person and $99,000 for a household of four.
On July 21, 2026, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved raising PHP's maximum income limit to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (previously 200%). Applicants now submit one form of proof of income plus proof of Polk residency.
PHP income guidelines effective July 21, 2026 (300% FPL), annual maximums: 1 person $47,880; 2 $64,920; 3 $81,960; 4 $99,000; 5 $116,040; 6 $133,080; 7 $150,120; 8 $167,160; add $17,040 per person above eight. Based on the 2026 federal poverty guidelines.
Who qualifies for the Polk HealthCare Plan now
Full-time Polk County residents who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents, provide a Social Security number and photo ID, meet the income limit, and don't have other health coverage available (with listed exceptions).
Polk County published these annual maximums at 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, effective July 21, 2026:
| Household size | Annual maximum (effective July 21, 2026) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $47,880 |
| 2 | $64,920 |
| 3 | $81,960 |
| 4 | $99,000 |
| 5 | $116,040 |
| 6 | $133,080 |
| 7 | $150,120 |
| 8 | $167,160 |
| Each additional person | Add $17,040 |
Figures are Polk County's published 300% FPL thresholds, not Marketplace premiums or subsidy amounts. Source: Polk HealthCare Plan eligibility page, effective July 21, 2026.
Requirements: full-time Polk County resident; U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident; Social Security number; valid Florida driver license or U.S. government photo ID; proof of residency and proof of income.
HealthCare.gov (Florida uses it): Open Enrollment starts November 1; enroll by December 15 for January 1 coverage; Open Enrollment ends January 15, with February 1 coverage for December 16 to January 15 enrollments.
What PHP is, and what it isn't
Compare where care works, what happens outside Polk, and your out-of-pocket protection. PHP is a county program with partner providers; a Marketplace plan is insurance with essential health benefits and an out-of-pocket maximum. Ask PHP how Marketplace eligibility affects your application.
PHP vs. a Marketplace plan: how to compare
Marketplace plans must cover essential health benefits including emergency services, hospitalization, pregnancy/maternity/newborn care, mental health and substance use disorder services, and pediatric services.
Timing: Marketplace Open Enrollment dates
November 1 to January 15 on HealthCare.gov; enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.
PHP is not insurance. Members don't pay annual deductibles, monthly fees, or enrollment fees or file claim forms. It connects residents to primary, specialty, behavioral, urgent, emergency, and prescription services through partner providers, and is funded by the voter-approved half-cent sales surtax for indigent health care.
How to apply for PHP
After the temporary 2021–2025 enhancement, standard Premium Tax Credit rules apply; eligibility depends on household income and size.
Documents the county lists
- Proof of income: one month of pay stubs, a prior-year tax return, or a Social Security statement
- Proof of Polk residency and a U.S. government photo ID
- Ask Member Services how other coverage, including a Marketplace plan, affects an application
- Compare PHP partner-provider access with a Marketplace plan's essential health benefits and out-of-pocket maximum
Additional verified details
Applicants must not have any other health coverage or insurance available. Exceptions the county lists: employer coverage whose premiums equal 9.12% or more of household income, and people waiting to qualify for Medicaid.
As of September 30, 2026, the online application portal was unavailable; applications were completed on-site at the administrative offices in Bartow. Member Services: (863) 533-1111.
Related coverage questions
- how much income qualifies for a subsidy
- the ACA subsidy cliff
- zero-premium plans in Florida
- ACA open enrollment deadlines
Common questions
What is the income limit for the Polk HealthCare Plan?
Since July 21, 2026, the limit is 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. The county's table lists $47,880 a year for one person and $99,000 for a household of four. It was 200% before the change.
Is the Polk HealthCare Plan health insurance?
No. Polk County says the plan is not insurance. Members don't pay deductibles, monthly fees, or enrollment fees, and care comes through the plan's partner providers in the community. It is funded by a voter-approved half-cent sales surtax.
Can I have the Polk HealthCare Plan and other coverage?
Generally no. The county says applicants must not have other health coverage or insurance available to them. Two exceptions it lists are employer coverage that costs 9.12% or more of household income and people waiting to qualify for Medicaid. Ask Member Services how this applies to you.
How do I apply for the Polk HealthCare Plan?
As of September 30, 2026, the online application portal was unavailable; applications were completed on-site at the plan's administrative offices in Bartow. You can call Member Services at (863) 533-1111 for help by phone.
What to do next
David Huff, a licensed Florida health agent, can review Polk County doctors, facilities, and prescriptions against a specific Marketplace plan ID. He does not decide facility billing. Call (863) 640-3102 or use Get Help.
Want a second set of eyes before you pick a plan?
Send your ZIP, the doctors and facilities you use, and your prescriptions. Please don't send Social Security or Medicare numbers or medical records. A review is not enrollment.
Start a provider check Request a plan review Call (863) 640-3102Not affiliated with HealthCare.gov or the U.S. government.
Sources
This page is educational. It does not say whether a facility or doctor participates with a specific plan. Confirm the plan directory and the billing office before you enroll or switch.