Benefits · Healthcare
How to apply for Manatee County Health Care Plan (Indigent Coverage)
Manatee County Health Services Section — Public Safety Department
Who it's for
The Manatee County Health Care Plan is Manatee's safety-net health coverage program for low-income uninsured adult residents — joining Hillsborough's HCHCP, Pinellas's PCHP, and Polk's Healthcare Plan as the fourth county-funded broad-coverage program in the catalog. The Plan is overseen by the Health Services Section of the County's Public Safety Department and covers residents with household income below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level who are uninsured and ineligible for Medicaid. The provider network is comprehensive: physicians, advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs), physician assistants (PAs), clinics, community and specialty hospitals, behavioral health centers, surgical centers, hospice, and governmental health entities — all reimbursed at current Medicare rates. The County also operates a Prescription Assistance Program (separate eligibility: residents 18+ at <100% FPL OR residents 60+ at <125% FPL) and an Ambulance Fee Payment Assistance program. We Care Manatee is a separate nonprofit safety-net partner that provides free medical care and specialty referrals to uninsured Manatee residents. Enroll in the Manatee County Health Care Plan by calling Health Services at (941) 749-3030.
The Manatee County Health Care Plan is meaningful coverage for adults aged 18-64 only. Once you turn 65 and qualify for Medicare, plan enrollment ends and you transition to Medicare (potentially with the Medicare Savings Programs / Extra Help to help with premiums and prescriptions). For seniors 65+, this Plan does NOT apply — the senior-equivalent paths in Manatee are Medicare + the Medicare Savings Programs + LIS (federal benefits already in this scan). HOWEVER, even for 65+ seniors, the Manatee County Prescription Assistance Program is separately available for residents 60+ with incomes <125% FPL — call (941) 749-3030 to ask about that pathway specifically. If you are uninsured and ineligible for Medicaid in the 60-64 bracket, the Manatee County Health Care Plan is one of the most valuable bridge-to-Medicare benefits in the cluster.
What you'll need
- Proof of Manatee County residency (lease, utility bill, government correspondence)
- Proof of household income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, tax return, SSA-1099)
- Proof of family size
- Documentation that you are uninsured and have been denied or are ineligible for Medicaid
- Photo identification
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 941-749-3030
Renewals
annual recertification of income and continuing ineligibility for Medicaid/Medicare
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.