Common Questions
Explore our mostly frequently asked questions and learn more about our services, insurance coverage and more.
General Information
Yes. We accept most private insurance plans as well as Medicaid, Medicare, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Our goal is to help you access healthcare and maintain wellness regardless of your insurance or ability to pay. If you have financial concerns about receiving services, please ask to see a financial counselor.
If you don’t have insurance, you may still qualify for our Sliding Fee Discount Program, which lowers the cost of your visits based on your income and family size. Our team can help you apply or reapply to make sure you receive the discounts you’re eligible for. If you have any questions about our discount program, speak to a patient service representative or financial counselor.
The Sliding Fee Discount Program is based on income and size of household. You will be asked to provide proof of income in order to qualify.
PCP means Primary Care Provider. Working with a PCP provides better quality and improved care coordination. Your provider and his or her team will be more informed and will provide better follow-up care. We can all benefit from having a PCP, but especially those with chronic conditions.
When you call to establish care at Premier Community HealthCare, our call center can assist you in finding a provider who is the best fit for you. Please visit the Provider tab on this website to learn more about our medical team and their areas of specialty.
You may access your medical records via your MyChart account. If you would like your records sent to another health care provider, you may submit a completed Authorization for Release of Patient Medical/Dental Information. (add link to form). Medical records are sent to other medical providers at no cost. A fee may apply for personal copies.
Premier Community HealthCare is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Health Center. The organization also qualifies as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing quality medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare to families and individuals of all ages. Patients experiencing financial constraints will not be denied access to services. The rule under which the Bureau of Primary Health Care administers our funding requires us to make every effort to obtain the appropriate payment from our patients.
FQHCs are “safety net” providers such as community health centers, public housing centers, and programs serving migrants and the homeless. The main purpose of the FQHC Program is to enhance the provision of primary care services in underserved urban and rural communities.
Contact and Appointment Information
Appointments are preferred; however, most locations do offer daily walk-in services based on provider availability.
Call us at 352-518-2000 to schedule an appointment at any of our health centers. The scheduler will need the patient’s name, date of birth, and what the reason for your appointment will be. If you need assistance due to a disability or language barrier, please let us know when you are scheduling your appointment. Please arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment in order to avoid a longer wait time.
If you have insurance and it requires a co-pay, you will be asked to pay that amount at the time of your visit. We accept cash, money orders, and credit cards. If you do not have medical coverage a Patient Services Representative can help you determine your eligibility for the Sliding Fee Discount Program. The Sliding Fee Discount Program is available based on income and family size. All charges for services provided are discounted based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Our Services
We provide a full array of primary and preventive services for children, adults, including family medicine, pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, podiatry, women’s health and chiropractic services. We also have two full-service pharmacies offering deeply discounted prescriptions.
MEDNET© Prescription Assistance Program Created in 2000, the MEDNET© program is a community-based initiative to increase access to prescription drug services for uninsured and medically needy residents with chronic health conditions. MEDNET© utilizes clinic-based support staff at Premier Community HealthCare to assess patient medication needs; identify compassionate use programs offered by pharmaceutical manufacturers; complete and submit program applications; and receive requested medications for program clients. Suncoast Health Council, Inc. utilizes proprietary MEDNET© software to coordinate program services and quantify the annual retail value of medications received. A nominal application fee ($11) applies and prescriptions are provided at no charge to eligible patients. Be sure to inquire with the medical staff during your visit to enable a MEDNET© representative to meet with you.
If you need to see a specialist, we will work with you to arrange a visit. A Referral Specialist is housed at each Family Health Center site. You would be responsible for payment for those services and you will need to make arrangements directly with the specialist. If you have insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, these programs would normally pay for such services. If you have no coverage for medical care, we would work with you toward obtaining coverage.
Yes, Premier Community Healthcare has free interpretation and translation services available. Ask any care team member to access these services.
The Affordable Care Act/Affordable Health Insurance
Open enrollment is from November 1st – December 15th. However, you can apply for Medicaid/CHIP year-round. Learn about the law, how to get coverage, and how it has helped people across the country – visit www.healthcare.gov.
Your ”Share of Cost” is the amount of medical bills that you must have before Medicaid can pay any of your other incurred medical bills for you. Your share of cost works like a deductible on a health insurance policy. You must incur medical expenses equal to the amount of your share of cost each month before you can become eligible for Medicaid for the rest of the month.
No. Share of Cost does not include the 10 Essential Health Benefits, therefore, it is not a Qualified Health Plan (QHP).
On or before the 15th of the month that your certification period ends.
The Medically Needy Program can help pay for Medicaid covered services. Individuals enrolled in the Medically Needy Program have income or assets that exceed the limits for regular Medicaid. A certain amount of medical bills must be incurred each month before Medicaid is approved.
No. You will not receive a Medicaid card.
As a community health center, Premier Community HealthCare is designed to serve all – regardless of financial constraints. If you do not have medical coverage a Patient Services Representative can help you determine your eligibility for the Sliding Fee Discount Program. The Sliding Fee Discount Program is available based on income and family size. All charges for services provided are discounted based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines.