Cost of Services

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) works to make sure its services are available to as many people as possible.  We offer services on a sliding fee scale to eligible individuals.  The cost of a service depends on your ability to pay.  There is no cost associated with some services. Other services require you to pay if you have the ability.  Your ability to pay is determined by the Eligibility office (see below).

The best way to find out the cost of a particular service, once you know your eligibility status, is to contact that service department directly.  You can find contact information listed under each service's web page or on the Contact Us page.

We accept most health insurance plans

DOH-Sarasota accepts most health insurance plans, whether you have Medicaid, Medicare or private coverage.

• See a list of accepted insurance plans...
• What if I don't have insurance?

Federally Qualified Health Center

DOH-Sarasota is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). No one is refused health care. However, everyone must pay their fair share based on income and family size. Proof of Sarasota County residency is required for certain facilities that handle referrals from primary care providers.

Primary health care services are provided under a private/public partnership with Community Health Center of North Port, Inc.

Eligibility requirements at DOH-Sarasota

DOH-Sarasota offers many services that are available to anyone; other services require you to meet certain eligibility requirements prior to receiving the service.

Age Requirement:  DOH-Sarasota serves residents under 55 years of age.  Residents aged 55 years and older should contact the Friendship Centers (aka Senior Friendship Centers) for health services.

Services available to anyone (no eligibility requirements, though some require financial screening and/or fees for services):

• Birth control (contraceptives)
• Family planning
• Childhood immunizations (vaccinations)
• Immunizations for foreign travel
• Sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing, treatment, and counseling.

Other services require a Health Card and are available only to persons determined to be eligible. 

Obtaining a Health Card

You must have a Health Card (previously called a Clinic Card) to receive some services at DOH-Sarasota.  A Health Card allows access to our sliding fee scale (depending on your ability to pay) even for services not covered by your health insurance.  Eligibility specialists work with new clients to go over their individual situations and documentation.

If you plan to apply for a Health Card, we ask that you first apply to Medicaid to see if you are eligible for that program.

To obtain a Health Card, go to your nearest Eligibility office.  You will be asked to provide the documentation listed below, if applicable. 

This Eligibility Requirements Checklist is provided for your convenience.

To obtain a Health Card, please provide:

• Photo ID (U.S. or foreign government ID, or other ID with supervisor approval)
• Social Security cards/numbers (all family members)
• Children's birth certificates
• Proof of Sarasota County residency (required of some clients)
  Proof includes one piece of mail in your name received in the last 30 days showing a Sarasota County address
• Proof of insurance (if applicable)
  Proof includes a health insurance card with deductible/co-pay information; Medicaid, Medicaid HMO and/or Medicare card; and private insurance cards for any health, dental or prescription plans
• Verification of Alien Status (if applicable - for non-U.S. citizens)
  May include Permanent Resident Alien cards (”Green Cards”), Employment Authorization Document, valid passport, I-94 form, visas, and any other Immigration or Homeland Security documents
• Verification of total gross household income for the four most recent weeks, which may include:
  • Pay stubs (or for a new job, provide a letter from your employer stating hours, rate of pay, and how often paid)
  • Bank statements - from most recent month for all accounts
  • Other income - proof of monthly amount of any income from Social Security, alimony, child support, Unemployment / Workers Compensation, pensions, trusts, bank accounts, rental income, etc.
  • If self-employed, provide most recent 3 months’ business ledgers/records and most recent 3 months’ bank statements
  • If you are supported by someone else, provide a written statement of support including that person’s name, address, and phone number; the date, and the amount you receive each month
• Additional information may be required on a case-by-case basis. 
  This list is for informational purposes only; please make an appointment with an Eligibility specialist to determine what information will be required of you.

What if I don't have health insurance coverage?

• Take this quick survey to see if you may be eligible for Medicaid.

• Florida KidCare provides coverage for eligible children under age 19.

• Sarasota Healthcare Access assists with access to medical & dental services for uninsured and underinsured residents of Sarasota County.

Certified Application Counselors
DOH-Sarasota has a team of Certified Application Counselors ready to assist county residents in navigating the new Health Insurance Marketplace ("Exchange") created as part of the Affordable Care Act.  Counselors give group and one-on-one meetings to answer questions, help you find health coverage, and help you determine if you qualify for financial assistance... all at no cost to you.

Eligibility Offices - Hours and Contact Information

North Port Health Center  -  (941) 861-3825

• Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri:  8am-4pm
• Tue:  8-11am & 3-4pm

Sally & Sam Shapiro Babies & Children's Medical Center - (941) 861-1400

William L. Little Health & Human Services Center (Sarasota) - (941) 861-2669

• Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri:  7am-5pm

• Tues:  7-10:30am & 3-5pm