Update on District Cares Specialty Benefits

The Health Care District of Palm Beach County (District) has evolved to meet the healthcare needs of our community since 1988. As a public healthcare system entrusted with this responsibility, our operations continuously scale services up or down based on what the community needs most at specific points in time.

Patient outcomes, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility have remained at the forefront of all operations. This approach has accelerated the District’s ability to expand our clinical footprint and focus on upstream primary care at our community health centers. Subsequently, our reliance on outsourced healthcare providers has reduced 80% in 10 years - shifting the District’s operational philosophy from serving primarily as a payor of healthcare services to being the direct provider of high-quality care by:

•           Streamlining cost-effective operations,

•           Supporting continuity of care across our enterprise,

•           Diversifying the critical healthcare workforce as a unique employer in Palm Beach County.

•           Consistent review of our programs and community needs, which recently included District Cares.

After thorough financial assessments and consideration of local, state, and federal priorities, the Health Care District will be discontinuing the District Cares program. Existing District Cares patients will be able to access referrals and services until December 31, 2025. Applications for new District Cares patients are no longer being accepted.

Our community health centers have earned seven consecutive gold-level Health Center Quality Leader awards, and remain available to all regardless of insurance status - with locations across Palm Beach County. Discounted services are available to those who qualify for the federal sliding fee scale, which determines costs based on patient income and family size. Appointments at any of our community health centers can be made by calling 561-642-1000.