The high cost of health insurance and medical care can often make it easy to put off getting the care you need. If you can’t afford a health insurance plan and don’t qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, Hillsborough County has options for residents, including free health care, vision care, pharmacy (RX), and dental services.

It’s a dilemma that is all too common in Hillsborough County and across the country. You work hard and may have to take multiple part-time jobs, or you have an employer that doesn’t offer health insurance. You don’t qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, or active Medically Needy Share of Cost and don’t earn enough to afford marketplace insurance, or you may have aged out of your parents’ insurance plan. You need to see a doctor but must prioritize other necessary expenses at the risk of ending up in the emergency room with a major health concern that could leave you unable to work for days, weeks, or even longer.

Access free health care for the uninsured in Hillsborough County
For Hillsborough County residents living in this “coverage gap,” the County offers Hillsborough Health Care, a comprehensive managed-care program for residents with limited income and assets. The program has been around for more than 30 years and has assisted more than 146,783 county residents with quality, accessible, no-cost health care when they need it most. Unfortunately, many Hillsborough County residents who qualify for Hillsborough Health Care may not yet be taking advantage of this program.

What is the maximum income to qualify for free health care?
With recently expanded eligibility criteria, Hillsborough Health Care is designed to serve residents with limited assets who have income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a single person, this means you’d make about $1,980 a month or less. The program is funded by a special sales tax and administered by Hillsborough County with no cost to eligible members for services covered.

Learn more about Hillsborough Health Care eligibility requirements and other considerations for applicants.

Where can I go for medical and dental care without insurance?
Hillsborough Health Care partners with Tampa Family Health Centers, Suncoast Community Health Centers, Tampa General Medical Groups, and other medical providers and hospitals to offer convenient locations and quality providers across the county, making it possible to find the care you need and avoid the ER and expenses that come with emergency visits.

The plan covers primary and specialty care, inpatient and outpatient treatment, pharmaceuticals, vision care, dental care, and other medically necessary services. When you enroll, you will select a partnering-provider health center that is convenient to you and work with a medical doctor to receive the care you need. This care provider will offer referrals to specialists, as needed, or arrange for hospital admission.

Sign up for free health care benefits and medical care programs
Take care of yourself and other adult members of your family! Get the health care you need without insurance in Hillsborough County. The Hillsborough Health Care plan and all services are free for eligible members, connecting residents with medical care with no copays or premiums.

Review the eligibility criteria and complete your application online today. For additional information, contact Member Services at (813) 272-5040.