Indigent Health Care and Resources

Polk County's Indigent Health Care section (IHC) is responsible for the delivery of quality health care to the indigent and medically poor residents of the county. The programs are collectively referred to as the county’s healthcare safety net program, most of which are funded through the half-cent sales surtax for indigent healthcare.(F.S. 212.0055 (7))

The Polk County Board of County Commissioner's created the Citizens' Healthcare Oversight Committee to ensure the integrity of the expenditure of surtax funds and to provide a forum for resident participation in health care planning. Visit the Citizens' HealthCare Oversight Committee page for upcoming meetings and agendas.

Free or Low-Cost Medical Providers and Clinics

For community healthcare resources other than the Polk Health Care Plan, please call customer services at (863) 533-1111 for more information. If you have no or low-income you may qualify for the Polk HealthCare Plan. We recently adjusted our eligibility requirements. 

Polk HealthCare Plan

Burial and Cremation Program

The Burial and Cremation Program ensures that every eligible resident of Polk County, without adequate resources, will receive a simple but dignified burial or cremation.

Free Health Services

The Polk HealthCare Plan and the Department of Health in Polk have teamed up to deliver free health services, eligibility screenings and plan enrollment to the communities throughout the county via the mobile unit. For upcoming events, please check the events tab.

Diabetes Nutrition Education

Diabetes nutrition education classes are available to all Polk residents through a partnership with UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. Upcoming events can be found at https://www.polk-county.net/events or https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ufifas-extension-polk-county-family-and-consumer-sciences-13212611362.

Other Community Resources

United Way 211 is a toll-free call to 211 that connects you to a community resource specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations that provide critical services. You'll find information about: supplemental food and nutrition programs. shelter and housing options and utilities assistance.