Pinellas County Health and Human Services - FAQ's

Pinellas County Department of Health and Human Services

Skip over navigation

Information

|

|

|

|

|

Online Resources

Home
Can We Help You?
Mobile Medical Sites
Social Action Funding
USF Needs Assess. Results
Assistance Programs
Housing Search
STARS Program
Service Limitations
Frequent Questions (FAQ's)
Privacy Notice
Mission Statement
Affiliations
Homeless Leadership Network
Homeless Policy Group
Resource/Opportunity Guide
Dial 2-1-1 to Find/Give Help
Partnership Healthy Pinellas
Coordinating Council Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

I was just released from the hospital and I need some help with medication and follow up care. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you lack medical insurance, Medicaid or Medicare coverage and have income within federal poverty guidelines, currently $817 for a household of 1 and assets within criteria, under $2,000 for a household of 1, we may be able to assist you. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit. If you are eligible for assistance, you will be enrolled in Pinellas County Health Services, select a primary care physician and be referred to our contract pharmacy for prescription coverage.

I was not born in the USA but am in need of medical care. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you are a legal permanent resident, a legally admitted refugee or an asylum seeker, you may be eligible for assistance. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit. If you are not a legal resident, please contact our resource guide under medical for other possible resources.

I am a patient at Suncoast Mental Health/ Directions for Mental Health and cannot keep a job. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you secure a disability statement, and are not currently employed you may be eligible for assistance. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit.

The landlord came asking for the rent for this month. My spouse just left (our children and me). My spouse was the only one working. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you have no income or assets, you first must apply for assistance for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) with the State of Florida Department of Children and Families. If you are approved for a check but the check will not arrive in time to prevent a utility turnoff or eviction, you may be eligible for assistance from Pinellas County Health and Human Services Department. You will need to provide a referral from the State of Florida Department of Children and Families along with the documentation you provided to them for one time assistance (within one year) from the county.

I went to another medical clinic, and they referred me to you for my medical care. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you lack medical insurance, Medicaid or Medicare coverage and have income within federal poverty guidelines, currently $817 for a household of 1 and assets within criteria, under $2,000 for a household of 1, we may be able to assist you. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit. If you are eligible for assistance, you will be enrolled in Pinellas County Health Services, select a primary care physician and be referred to our contract pharmacy for prescription coverage.

What services do you provide to medically eligible clients? How can you help me?

If you are eligible for assistance, you will be enrolled in Pinellas County Health Services, select a primary care physician and be referred to our contract pharmacy for prescription coverage. You will be issued a medical card, which will have the name and phone number of your primary care physician (PCP). Your PCP will also refer you for diagnostic, specialty care and hospital care as needed. Your primary care physician must authorize all referrals. Transportation via bus passes is available for scheduled medical appointments. Our agency also provides dental services for relief of pain by contracting with authorized providers.

What if I cannot get all the documents you request? I still need medical treatment so you have to help me, right?

No. Your social worker will make every reasonable effort to assist you in obtaining the information requested. However, obtaining the needed information is ultimately the responsibility of the client. Assistance may be denied if we are unable to secure all needed documentation.

I am only 17 years old and have no medical coverage. Can you help me?

Possibly. We are only able to assist you if you are married, divorced, or have a court order indicating that you are an emancipated minor if you are not accompanied by your parent or legal guardian.

I lost my job and the medical coverage that was provided by my employer. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you have a medical condition that needs treatment and your household income is within Federal Poverty Level ($817 for 1) and assets within criteria ($2,000 for 1), you may be eligible for assistance. We will need verification that your medical coverage has ceased. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit. If you are eligible for assistance, you will be enrolled in Pinellas County Health Services, select a primary care physician and be referred to our contract pharmacy for prescription coverage.

I have a toothache and it hurts so much I cannot concentrate on my job search. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you lack dental insurance or Medicaid coverage and have income within federal poverty guidelines, currently $817 for a household of 1 and assets within criteria, under $2,000 for a household of 1, we may be able to assist you. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit. If eligible, you will be referred to a contracted dentist.

I am disabled and recently lost my job; my spouse is unable to earn enough money to pay our bills. Can you help me?

Probably not. Our criteria for financial assistance for a household of 2 is income under $550 a month. Please refer to our resource guide under financial for additional options or call 211 for additional options.

I need a pre-employment physical before I can go to work. Can you help me?

No. Pinellas County Health and Human Services does not provide coverage for pre-employment physicals.

I am on Medicare but not Medicaid and need medicine I cannot afford. Can you help me?

No. Please check our resource guide under medical for options or contact 211.

I need medical treatment but cannot afford it. I have already used all the money I got from a settlement? Can you help me?

Possibly. If you lack medical insurance, Medicaid or Medicare coverage and have income within federal poverty guidelines, currently $817 for a household of 1 and assets within criteria, under $2,000 for a household of 1, we may be able to assist you. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit. You will also need to document the money received from your settlement and list where that money went. If you are eligible for assistance, you will be enrolled in Pinellas County Health Services, select a primary care physician and be referred to our contract pharmacy for prescription coverage.

I was injured (in a fall/in a motor vehicle accident) and need medical treatment. Can you help me?

Possibly. You will first need to utilize any potential insurance coverage prior to obtaining treatment through our agency. If insurance coverage has been exhausted, this must be verified. If you are pursuing litigation, you will be required to sign a reimbursement agreement. If you lack medical insurance, Medicaid or Medicare coverage and have income within federal poverty guidelines, currently $817 for a household of 1 and assets within criteria, under $2,000 for a household of 1, we may be able to assist you. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit. If you are eligible for assistance, you will be enrolled in Pinellas County Health Services, select a primary care physician and be referred to our contract pharmacy for prescription coverage.

I am out of work and about to be evicted. Can you help me?

Probably not. We are only able to assist if you have a disability statement stating you are unable to work or if you are a single parent applying for assistance through the State of Florida Department of Children Families. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit. Otherwise, please contact our resource guide under financial or call 211 for other options.

My children and I just moved here from another state. I do not have a job yet. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you are a single parent and plan to remain in Pinellas County and can verify Pinellas County residency, you may be eligible for assistance. If you have no income or assets, you first must apply for assistance for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) with the State of Florida Department of Children and Families. If you are approved for a check but the check will not arrive in time to prevent a utility turnoff or eviction, you may be eligible for assistance from Pinellas County Health and Human Services Department. You will need to provide a referral from the State of Florida Department of Children and Families along with the documentation you provided to them for one time assistance (within one year) from the county.

I was jumped on the street last night and need some help with my medical expenses. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you lack medical insurance, Medicaid or Medicare coverage and have income within federal poverty guidelines, currently $817 for a household of 1 and assets within criteria, under $2,000 for a household of 1, we may be able to assist you. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit. You may also be eligible to apply for assistance through Florida Victims Crimes Compensation. If you are eligible for assistance, you will be enrolled in Pinellas County Health Services, select a primary care physician and be referred to our contract pharmacy for prescription coverage.

I live in Clearwater, but my family all lives in St. Petersburg; can I come to the St. Petersburg office for help?

Yes. We do not have a boundary line for services and you may go to the office that is most convenient for you. Once you have selected an office, you need to continue to receive services through that office.

I need some assistance with my rent; I have a payee for my Social Security who is not giving me my money when I request it. Can you help me?

No. Please contact Social Security to resolve this problem.

I am not working and need assistance with paying my rent. Can you help me?

Probably not. We are only able to assist if you have a disability statement stating you are unable to work or if you are a single parent applying for assistance through the State of Florida Department of Children and Families. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit. Otherwise, please contact our resource guide under financial or call 211 for other options.

I have applied with the State of Florida Department of Children and Families, they accepted my application for food stamps but they said I was not eligible for financial assistance. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you are not sanctioned by the State of Florida Department of Children and Families you may be eligible for assistance. Please call us so we are able to determine your situation. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit.

I came into the office last month requesting medical assistance but they said I was over asset criteria. I no longer have that same amount available to me at this time. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you did not transfer your assets with the sole intent of meeting eligibility, you may be eligible for assistance. If you lack medical insurance, Medicaid or Medicare coverage and have income within federal poverty guidelines, currently $817 for a household of 1 and assets within criteria, under $2,000 for a household of 1, we may be able to assist you. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit.

You have helped me for three years now and I am soon going to my Administrative Law Judge Hearing for Social Security. Can you help me?

No, you are no longer eligible for general assistance. The maximum amount of General Assistance that a client may receive is limited to either the amount of time it takes for the client to receive a decision on their SSA or SSI application (up to and including the Administrative Law Judge Hearing level but not beyond), or a cumulative 36 months of General Assistance per the client’s lifetime, whichever is less. You remain eligible for medical assistance.

I really need some financial assistance. If I sign something saying I will pay you back for the assistance you give me, will you help me this once?

Probably not. Emergency assistance is only provided for individuals in the following categories: SSI or SSI recipients and TANF whose check or EBT card was lost, stolen or delayed or had cash stolen, married couples with one person disabled, pregnant woman not eligible for full TANF, single or intact families not eligible for TANF but within department criteria. If you do not meet this criteria, please contact the resource guide under financial or 211 for other options.

The last social worker referred me to another community agency. I really do not want to go there. Can you still help me?

No. Patients must comply with all referrals to other agencies and assistance must be denied for failure to cooperate after the first referral.

My family member passed away and I am unable to afford the funeral. Can you help me?

Possibly. The indigency criteria is met if a deceased and the immediate family members, spouse, minor children or natural parents or legal guardians of a deceased child, do not have sufficient resources to provide for a cremation and no one has assumed financial responsibility for disposition of the body. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 and ask to speak with the social worker assistant handling burials to determine if you are eligible for assistance. Pinellas County Health and Human Services Department provides for cremations only except for an honorably discharged veteran of if so instructed by the Medical Examiner.

I am over 60 years old and my fixed income is not sufficient to pay my electric bill. Can you help me?

Possibly. You may be eligible for twice yearly assistance through our Elderly Energy Program. Assistance is available twice a year, usually about the beginning of April and the beginning of October. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 and ask to speak with the social worker assistant handling the elderly energy assistance program to determine if you are eligible for assistance.

I was recently diagnosed with a medical problem and the doctor told me to follow up with the County for medical services. I am currently not working but I may have vested a retirement with a company in the past. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you have availability to the retirement even if there is a penalty for early withdrawal, the assets in the retirement will be considered an asset. If you lack medical insurance, Medicaid or Medicare coverage and have income within federal poverty guidelines, currently $817 for a household of 1 and assets within criteria, under $2,000 for a household of 1, we may be able to assist you. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible or ineligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit. If you are eligible for assistance, you will be enrolled in Pinellas County Health Services, select a primary care physician and be referred to our contract pharmacy for prescription coverage.

I am on Medicaid with a Share of Cost but cannot afford my share of cost. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you have income within federal poverty guidelines, currently $817 for a household of 1 and assets within criteria, under $2,000 for a household of 1and have not met your share of cost, we may be able to assist you. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible.

I am disabled and pending SSI; my child left two grandchildren in my care. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you are not receiving Medicaid, we may be able to assist you with medical assistance. If your income and assets are within guidelines and you have a disability statement indicating you are disabled, we may be able to provide financial assistance. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit.

I went into the pharmacy to pick up my medication and they said the County would not pay for it. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you are covered under Pinellas County Health Services, if you did not receive your medication it probably is not covered by our formulary. In addition, the department does not fill prescriptions for psychotropic drugs written by staff of community mental health agencies (even if the medication is not included on that agency’s formulary. Please request that your physician write an alternative prescription cover under our formulary. You may also contact our nursing staff to request an exception, however the department maintains the right to deny request for exceptions. Such denied requests will be referred to the appropriate drug manufacturer’s patient assistance program.

I need transportation to my doctor appointment. Can you help me?

Yes, if you are a current client of Pinellas County Health Services . Please provide verification of your scheduled doctor’s appointment and request to speak to the social work assistant that will provide you with a bus pass.

I do not have insurance and my fourteen (14) year old child needs an appointment for medical. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you lack medical insurance, Medicaid or Medicare coverage and have income within federal poverty guidelines, currently $817 for a household of 1 and assets within criteria, under $2,000 for a household of 1, we may be able to assist you. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit. If you are eligible for assistance, you will be enrolled in Pinellas County Health Services, select a primary care physician and be referred to our contract pharmacy for prescription coverage. You should also contact the Sate of Florida Department of Children and Families for possible Medicaid coverage.

I just lost my job and need assistance with my rent. State of Florida Department of Children and Families said I am not eligible because I received their benefits for the maximum time limit.

Possibly. If you are a single parent and have not received any assistance with Pinellas County Health and Human Services within the last year, you may be eligible for assistance with an emergency. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit.

I went to the VA Medical Center for treatment, but they would not see me. Can you help me?

Possibly. Veterans eligible for medical care through the Veterans Administration are not eligible for enrollment in the department’s healthcare plan regardless of circumstances including waiting time to be seen by the Veterans Administration. Veterans, who have been verified as not eligible for medical care by the Veterans Administration, may be enrolled in the department’s healthcare plan once it has been documented that all department eligibility criteria are met. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit.

I am going to school here and need help with rent and medical. Can you help me?

Possibly. You are only eligible for assistance if you are a Pinellas County resident. Out of county students attending a Pinellas County educational institution do not meet the residence requirement even if they remain in Pinellas County for an extended time. If you are a Pinellas County resident and you lack medical insurance, Medicaid or Medicare coverage and have income within federal poverty guidelines, currently $817 for a household of 1 and assets within criteria, under $2,000 for a household of 1, we may be able to assist you. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide on your first visit. If you are eligible for assistance, you will be enrolled in Pinellas County Health Services, select a primary care physician and be referred to our contract pharmacy for prescription coverage.

I need to get my medical card updated. The last date of services was seven months ago because I went up North. Can you help me?

Possibly. You must establish that you are currently a Pinellas County resident as well as meeting all other criteria for eligibility. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide.

I work for the school district and they are on spring break so I am not getting paid; my rent and utility bills are due for payment now. Can you help me?

No. You must either have a disability statement or be a single parent with monthly income within criteria, $550 for a household of 2 to obtain financial assistance. Please consult the resource guide under financial or contact 211 foe other options.

I am staying at the House of Mary Magdalene and they sent me here for assistance with my rent. Can you help me?

Possibly. If you are a Pinellas County resident, living in Pinellas County prior to staying at the House of Mary Magdalene, and have a disability statement you may be eligible for financial assistance. Please contact either our St. Petersburg office at 582-7781 or our Clearwater office at 464-8400 to speak to a social worker to determine if you are eligible for assistance and for information as to what you need to provide.