Polk County Celebrates 100 Years of...Polk County Celebrates 100 Yea...

Polk County Celebrates 100 Years of Providing Health Care Access to Residents in Need

Published: October 21, 2026

BARTOW, Fla. (Oct. 21, 2026) - Polk County is marking 100 years of providing access to health care for low-income residents, a commitment that has evolved from a county hospital into a network of providers, programs and community partnerships.

Polk General Hospital opened in 1926 with one doctor, five nurses and two student nurses. A century later, the county's health care safety net is supported by more than 1,000 health care providers and numerous public, private and nonprofit partnerships.

"For more than 100 years, Polk County has made a commitment to caring for residents who have limited access to health care," said Commissioner Becky Troutman. "Continuing that commitment means preserving a dedicated funding source so our medically vulnerable residents can get the care they need. We must build on that history and ensure support remains available for those who need it most."

For 69 years, Polk General Hospital provided medical services to county residents before closing in 1995. In 1999, the Board of County Commissioners approved the Polk HealthCare Plan, establishing a new approach to serving low-income residents with limited access to care. Originally funded through county property tax revenue, the plan covered basic health care services.

In 2004, Polk County voters approved a half-cent sales surtax to fund indigent health care services through 2019. Voters renewed their support in 2016, extending the funding through 2044. Today, surtax revenue is the primary funding source for the county's health care safety net, including the Polk HealthCare Plan and other health care initiatives.

"Residents and visitors help fund this program through the half-cent sales surtax, including plan members when they make taxable purchases in the county," said Joy Johnson, Polk County Health and Human Services administrator.

Through the Health and Human Services Division, Community Health Care program staff administer the Polk HealthCare Plan, the foundation of the county's health care safety net. The broader network of hospitals, clinics and health centers provide medical services to low-income, uninsured and vulnerable residents.

"Over the past 100 years, Polk County's approach to health care has changed significantly," Johnson said. "What began with a hospital and a need to care for residents who could not afford medical services has grown into an extensive program that is locally funded and administered, with local oversight. People who live and work in the community help guide the program, allowing it to adapt to residents' growing needs and changes in the health care system."

In fiscal year 2024-25, the county's health care safety net served 38,564 residents, who received 601,625 services.

Polk HealthCare Plan members have access to primary and specialty care, hospital and urgent care services, radiology and laboratory testing, and prescription medications. Applicants must provide proof of permanent Polk County residency and meet established income guidelines. The Citizens Healthcare Oversight Committee monitors the use of surtax revenue.

As Polk County marks a century of care, its programs and partnerships continue to connect residents with the health care services they need.