Health Help Available for Uninsured, Poor
LAKELAND | Many low-income, uninsured residents of Polk County need health care.
That's intensified during the past several years. But there are places local residents can check to see whether they qualify for help.
CENTRAL FLORIDA HEALTH CARE
Treats uninsured and/or low income patients, as well as those who are insured. Charges on a sliding scale tied to income.
Polk County locations are:
Dundee: 916 State Road 542. 863-419-3330.
Frostproof: 109 W. Wall St. 863-635-4891.
Lakeland: 936 E. Parker St., for primary care, 863-413-8600; and 1729 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, for maternity-gynecological care, 863-686-0082.
Winter Haven: primary care clinic to open this year.
Web site is www.cfhconline.org.
COVER FLORIDA
A new program - established by the state and insurance companies - has lower-cost insurance products for Floridians who have been without insurance for at least six months or who are recently unemployed, even if there are pre-existing health conditions.
Look at www.coverfloridahealthcare.com.
FLORIDA KIDCARE
Provides affordable health insurance for children. Download application from www.floridakidcare.org or call 888-540-5437.
GOOD SAMARITAN CLINIC
Health care for the homeless. A small staff aided by volunteer doctors and other health providers at Talbot House Ministries, 814 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland. 863-687-8475.
HALEY CENTER
A faith-based ministry of First Baptist Church of Winter Haven and a handful of medical volunteers. Provides health care for some low-income uninsured. Located in downtown Winter Haven. 863-299-6562.
LAKELAND VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE
Volunteer health professionals and other community volunteers, with a small paid staff. It has office-type care and a dental clinic at 1031 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. 863-688-5846.
MEDICAID
Health care for low-income, uninsured pregnant women, children, disabled and low-income people 65 or older. Call the Department of Children and Families. 866-762-2237.
POLK HEALTHCARE PLAN
Administered by Polk County using local sales-tax funds, for uninsured people whose family income is at or below 100 percent of federal poverty level. Contracts with all five Polk hospitals and private doctors who accept its rates. 863-533-1111.
POLK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Part of the Florida Department of Health. Services include prenatal care, immunizations, sexual diseases testing, TB and an HIV/AIDS clinic. Clinics are at:
1805 Hobbs Road, Auburndale; 863-965-5400.
2020 E. Georgia St., Bartow, 863-519-7916; high-risk maternity clinic, family planning and other services.
111 N. 11th St., Haines City, 863-421-3204.
835 W. Central Ave., Lake Wales, 863-678-4144.
3241 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, 863-413-2620.
WE CARE OF POLK COUNTY
Matches doctors who volunteer specialty care with uninsured people at or below 200 percent of the poverty level. A doctor referral is needed. 863-701-8070.
