Polk County Medicaid Resource Center
If you live in Polk County, Florida, Medicaid can help eligible residents pay for health care, prescriptions, hospital services, and other medical needs. If you do not have health insurance, several local agencies may help you find affordable medical care or apply for financial assistance.
This guide explains how to apply for Florida Medicaid, find local health care resources, and get help with unpaid medical bills in Polk County.
Florida Medicaid in Polk County
Polk County residents can apply for Medicaid through Florida's Department of Children and Families (DCF). Medicaid recipients may also receive assistance with renewals, coverage questions, and changes in their household information.
How to Apply for Medicaid
You can apply for Florida Medicaid through the official MyACCESS Florida application portal.
You may also contact DCF for assistance with your application or renewal.
Florida DCF Customer Call Center
Phone: 850-300-4323
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Eastern Time.
Have your identification, household income information, and other requested documents available when applying.
Polk County HealthCare Plan
The Polk HealthCare Plan is one of the most important local resources for uninsured Polk County residents who need medical care but cannot afford private health insurance.
The program is administered by Polk County's Community Health Care division and provides access to a network of health care providers. Eligible participants may receive primary care, specialty care, hospital services, prescriptions, and diagnostic services.
The county expanded the program's income eligibility to 300% of the federal poverty level in July 2026. Eligibility is subject to the program's requirements, including residency, income, and health coverage status.
Polk HealthCare Plan Contact Information
Polk HealthCare Plan
2135 Marshall Edwards Drive
Bartow, FL 33830
Phone: 863-533-1111
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Official website: Polk HealthCare Plan
Applicants should contact the program directly to confirm current eligibility requirements and the documents needed to apply.
Agencies That Help Uninsured Polk County Patients
The following organizations provide medical care, referrals, or financial assistance for eligible uninsured or underinsured residents. They do not all pay existing medical bills directly, but they may help reduce future medical expenses or connect patients with programs that can assist with unpaid bills.
1. Polk County Community Health Care
Polk County Community Health Care administers the Polk HealthCare Plan and coordinates local health care safety-net services.
The program may help eligible uninsured residents obtain access to medical care through contracted providers. It also supports community partners that provide health care and other services to low-income residents.
Contact Information
2135 Marshall Edwards Drive
Bartow, FL 33830
Phone: 863-533-1111
Website: Polk County Community Health Care
Ask whether you qualify for the Polk HealthCare Plan or another county-supported health care program.
2. Florida Department of Health in Polk County
The Florida Department of Health in Polk County provides health services to uninsured and underinsured residents. Its clinics offer discounted services and a sliding fee schedule for eligible patients.
Some uninsured adults may qualify for free services through the Polk Community Health Care program.
Adult Health Services
Auburndale Clinic
1805 Hobbs Road
Auburndale, FL 33823
Lakeland Clinic
3241 Lakeland Hills Boulevard
Lakeland, FL 33805
Phone: 863-519-7910
Website: Florida Department of Health in Polk County
When calling, ask about discounted services, eligibility screening, and assistance with medical expenses.
3. We Care of Central Florida
We Care of Central Florida is a nonprofit organization that helps uninsured and underinsured Polk County residents obtain specialty medical care.
The organization coordinates referrals to volunteer physicians and may assist with specialty care, diagnostic services, and vision care. Its programs may be helpful when a patient needs medical treatment that cannot be managed by a primary care provider.
Contact Information
205 Farnol Street SW
Winter Haven, FL 33880
Phone: 863-662-4227
Website: We Care of Central Florida
Ask about specialty care referrals and eligibility for uninsured patients.
4. Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine
Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine provides medical services to eligible uninsured Polk County residents.
Services may include primary care, specialty care, dental care, vision care, and behavioral health services. The organization can be a useful starting point for uninsured residents who need ongoing medical care.
Contact Information
600 West Peachtree Street
Lakeland, FL 33815
Phone: 863-688-5846
Website: Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine
Contact the clinic to ask about eligibility, appointments, and available services.
5. The Haley Center
The Haley Center is a nonprofit charitable medical clinic in Winter Haven that serves eligible uninsured Polk County residents.
The organization provides access to health care for people who meet its income and insurance requirements. Patients should contact the clinic to learn about current services and intake procedures.
Contact Information
603 6th Street NW
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-6562
Ask about free medical services, eligibility, and help with obtaining affordable care.
6. Central Florida Health Care
Central Florida Health Care operates community health centers in several Polk County communities.
These clinics offer primary care and other medical services. Eligible uninsured patients may qualify for reduced-cost care through a sliding fee program.
Locations include Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Mulberry, Lake Wales, and Haines City.
Main Phone: 866-234-8534
Website: Central Florida Health Care
Contact the main office to find a nearby location and ask about uninsured patient assistance.
How to Get Help Paying an Unpaid Medical Bill
If you have already received a medical bill that you cannot afford, contact the hospital or medical provider's billing department before ignoring the bill.
Ask whether the provider offers:
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Financial assistance or charity care.
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A discount for uninsured patients.
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A payment plan.
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A bill review for possible errors.
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Assistance applying for Medicaid.
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Referrals to local charitable medical programs.
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Some hospitals and health care organizations offer free or discounted care to eligible low-income patients. Eligibility and assistance amounts vary by provider.
Lakeland Regional Health
Lakeland Regional Health provides financial assistance for eligible patients who cannot afford medical care.
If you received a bill from Lakeland Regional Health, contact its financial counseling or billing department and ask about the hospital's financial assistance policy.
Lakeland Regional Health
Phone: 863-687-1100
Website: Lakeland Regional Health
Ask for financial assistance or charity care information before making payment arrangements.
Important Polk County Medicaid Phone Numbers
Florida Medicaid Helpline 877-254-1055
Florida DCF / MyACCESS 850-300-4323
Polk HealthCare Plan 863-533-1111
Florida Department of Health in Polk County 863-519-7910
We Care of Central Florida 863-662-4227
Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine 863-688-5846
The Haley Center 863-299-6562
Central Florida Health Care 866-234-8534
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get medical care in Polk County if I do not have insurance?
Yes. Polk County has several programs and community clinics that provide medical care to eligible uninsured residents. The Polk HealthCare Plan, county health department clinics, and nonprofit medical organizations may offer free or reduced-cost services.
Can the Polk HealthCare Plan pay my old medical bills?
The Polk HealthCare Plan provides access to health care for eligible residents. It is not a guarantee that previously incurred medical bills will be paid. Contact the program and your medical provider's billing department to ask about available assistance.
What should I do if my Medicaid application is denied?
Read your denial notice carefully. It should explain why your application was denied and whether you can request a hearing or appeal. Contact Florida DCF or the Florida Medicaid Helpline for assistance.
Where can I get help applying for Medicaid in Polk County?
You can apply through MyACCESS Florida or contact the Polk HealthCare Plan and local community health centers for information about available assistance.
Find More Florida Medicaid Help
Ask Medicaid Florida provides information about Florida Medicaid eligibility, applications, renewals, managed care plans, medical benefits, and local resources.
Visit the Florida Medicaid Help Center for more information.
For additional county-specific resources, visit Florida Medicaid County Resources.