Page 9 - Florida Sentinel 8-26-22

Feature
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Hillsborough County’s Health Plan Helps Close The Gap
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
In December 2021, Hills- borough County Commis- sioners unanimously voted to expand the county health care plan to allow people un- able to afford healthcare marketplace insurance.
Unfortunately, many qualified citizens of Hillsbor- ough County have not taken advantage of the no fee pro- gram.
The program allows up to 15,000 people to be enrolled each month, but on average,
only about 13,000 spots have been filled.
After the County made the changes last year, enroll- ment decreased much to the dismay of County Com- missioner Gwen Myers.
The medical coverage is free and allows people nor- mally excluded from health care get preventative care that can bridge the health disparities.
The plan offers prescrip- tion services as well. The comprehensive plan could be a lifesaver in the event of a medical catastrophe as well
COUNTY COMMISSIONER GWEN MYERS
as providing preventive and maintenance healthcare in terms of healthy baby visits, screenings, and chronic dis- ease management for high blood pressure and diabetes.
Hillsborough County
Commissioner Gwen Myers is determined to get this important information out to her community.
“No one should go with- out healthcare in Hillsbor- ough County. The underserved community is mainly Black and Brown people. Health insurance is critical to the health of the community,” Commis- sioner Myers stated.
She added that the change in December 2021 al- lowed more people to qual- ify.
“Now people that are at the federal poverty level or below 175% of the federal poverty are eligible. You might think that you can’t af- ford health insurance, but many more people will qual-
ify for insurance.”
Commissioner Myers
also stated that the county has dental insurance up to $2,500 per year.
“I am encouraging church families, civic organizations, and community groups to spread the word through their meetings, services, and outreach programs to get the word out about the county’s healthcare plan.”
To apply, call 813-272- 6040 to speak with an agent of Hillsborough County Health Care Services. If you have ac- cess to the internet, you can go to https://www.hillsbor- oughcounty.org/resi- dents/social-services/he alth-care-plan.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 9-A