About We Care Manatee
This clinic operates under a SLIDING SCALE model.This means that it MAY NOT be free depending on your income.You will be required to prove financial need in order to receive free services or services at a reduced cost.In order to get more information on this clinic, click on the icons below. You may be required to join for free in order to access full contact information.
We are open for eligibility and prescription appointments Monday through Friday 10am to 4pm. We are closed all government and major holidays. If you require an appointment, please speak to someone before coming to the office by calling 941-755-3952.
How do I qualify for specialty medical services through We Care Manatee?
Your primary care physician MUST refer you to our program AND we must receive a referral form signed by both your doctor and you to request services. Click here to download the We Care Manatee Referral Form. Medical records and required diagnostic tests necessary for diagnosis are also requested before processing can occur.
Do I need an appointment to see if I qualify?
No, however an appointment is suggested. Once you are referred by your primary care physician to see a specialist, and our office receives your referral, and we have a specialist that can assist you, you will receive a packet of information in the mail detailing the next steps. Once the "blue" letter is received, please call our office to schedule a time to go through the eligibility process. Average turnaround time is one week.
What is the process once I receive a referral from my primary care doctor?
Have your doctor fax it to our office at 941-870-8503 or drop it by or mail it to our office located at:
300 Riverside Drive East, Suite 2000, Bradenton, FL 34208.
What if I don't have a primary care doctor?
In order to be considered for our specialty physician program you MUST be referred by a physician. Manatee County Rural Health Services has many clinics in the area who see patients and charge fees based on a sliding scale. Another option would be to make an appointment at our free clinic by calling 941-755-3952. We also accept referrals from the emergency room.
Do you have a pharmacy?
We do not have a pharmacy.
Do you have prescription drug assistance?
We provide prescription drug assistance for patients who are being seen and treated by one of our volunteer specialists. We DO NOT provide assistance for pain management. For services related to prescriptions, please call 211 and ask for other options.
Do you have dentists?
Not at this time.
What is the cost for seeing a specialist at We Care Manatee?
If you are accepted into the We Care Manatee program, there is no cost to you. All of our physicians donate their time and talents to We Care Manatee.
Where do I go if I need diagnostic testing done?
If you need an MRI, X-ray, Scan, or other diagnostic testing, contact and apply for the Good County Assistance Program at the Manatee Memorial Hospital Cashier's Office on the First Floor. Be prepared to present a valid Florida Driver's License or ID card, Proof of Residency, Proof of Income, Most Recent Bank Statement and a Prescription for the test.
We Care Manatee fills in the gap for the working poor in our community who do not qualify for government healthcare programs or have the resources to pay for private health insurance. We do this by providing a link to primary and specialty physicians who volunteer their time and donate free medical services.
Eligibility
Adults age 18 to 64 years
Proof of residency in Manatee County.
At or below 200% of the federal poverty line.
No health insurance.
Since this is a sliding fee scale clinic, we have provided the Federal Poverty Guidelines below. Visit the We Care Manatee website listed above to see what the level is needed for free care.
Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2023
| Persons In Family Household | Poverty Guideline Salary per year |
|---|
| 1 | $14,580 |
| 2 | $19,720 |
| 3 | $24,860 |
| 4 | $30,000 |
| 5 | $35,140 |
| 6 | $40,280 |
| 7 | $45,420 |
| 8 | $50,560 |
For Households with more than 8 persons, add $4,480 for each additional person.
*Alaska and Hawaii have different rates for HUD federal poverty guidelines.
These numbers above represent 100% of the Federal Poverty Rate. In order to get reduced or free services from some clinics, they use a sliding fee scale based on your income.When they use a sliding fee scale, the 100% rate can be different than 100%. In those cases, using for example a 200% federal poverty level, you will only need double the 100% number listed above to 200%.
