How to apply for Hillsborough County Health Care Plan (HCHCP) in Florida

Who it's for

The Hillsborough County Health Care Plan (HCHCP) is the county's safety-net health coverage program for uninsured, low-income adult residents. Unlike a hospital charity-care program (which only discounts a specific facility encounter), HCHCP is a real coverage plan: enrollees receive primary care, specialty care, outpatient treatment, hospitalization at contracted hospitals, behavioral health, durable medical equipment, and prescription assistance through HCHCP's network of providers. The program is funded primarily by the County's Indigent Health Care Surtax (a half-cent local sales tax dedicated to indigent health care) and serves as Hillsborough's safety net after the county's public hospital authority was restructured in 1997. To enroll, you must be a Hillsborough County resident, an adult 18 or older, ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare (or any other comprehensive insurance), and meet HCHCP's income and asset limits (typically at or below 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level for full coverage, with sliding scale up to higher brackets). Note that because HCHCP requires you to be ineligible for Medicare, this program is principally for adults aged 18-64 — once you turn 65 and qualify for Medicare, HCHCP closes you out and routes you to Medicare with optional Medicare Savings Programs.

What you'll need

• Proof of Hillsborough County residency (lease, utility bill, government correspondence)
• Proof of US citizenship or qualified immigration status
• Proof of household income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, tax return, SSA-1099)
• Proof of household size
• Documentation that you have been denied or are ineligible for Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace coverage
• Photo identification

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Hillsborough County Health Care Plan (HCHCP). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of Hillsborough County residency (lease, utility bill, government correspondence), proof of US citizenship or qualified immigration status, proof of household income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, tax return, SSA-1099) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Renewals

annual recertification of income and ongoing Medicare/Medicaid ineligibility