Patients

Eligibility

The eligibility guidelines for We Care Jacksonville are as follows:

• Income at or below 200% of poverty level as defined by the Federal Government
• Patient carries no applicable insurance
• Resident of Duval County
• Age 18 or over

Service Options

We Care refers patients to medical specialists that will see them for care at no charge.

Primary healthcare clinics refer patients to We Care for specialty services, such as:

• Diagnostic tests
• Procedures
• Specialist consultation
• Surgery
• Cancer evaluation and treatment
• Treatments and rehabilitation services

Preparing for your First Appointment

What do you need to take to your first appointment?

Please bring the following documents with you to your appointment:

• Valid government-issued ID
• Copy of pay stubs for the past four weeks
• Letter of support from a shelter or significant other, if you are unemployed

Sovereign Immunity Notice

The healthcare providers who treat We Care patients are granted Sovereign Immunity through the State of Florida. Prior to receiving any treatment from a We Care volunteer, you will be required to sign a form that acknowledges your understanding of how this affects your rights as a patient. If you have any questions about Sovereign Immunity as it pertains to your care, please consult your Case Manager.

Chronic Disease Awareness

According to the Centers for Disease Control, chronic diseases are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems. Diseases and conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity and arthritis require active monitoring. We Care can help you manage your treatment. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any known chronic diseases or conditions that you are currently managing, as well as any conditions for which you have a hereditary risk.

Additional Resources

Beaches Health and Wellness Project

The Beaches Project is a collaboration between Baptist Beaches Hospital, The Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM), I.M. Sulzbacher Beaches, Mission House and We Care Jacksonville. The purpose of this collaboration is to have a We Care RN/Case Manager review and manage uninsured, high utilizers of the emergency room and hospital in order to facilitate their care and arrange for their needs upon discharge. The patient will be referred to one of the free area clinics, either Sulzbacher or Mission House so that the patient will have a medical home for primary care. BEAM will be available for the patient to access emergency funds, food, help with transportation, or other emergency needs. The We Care RN/Case Manager will continue to see the patient following discharge in order to manage compliance with medicine and for help in keeping follow-up appointments. If needed, We Care will refer the patient to a medical specialist.

Another aspect of the Beaches Project includes a second We Care RN/Case Manager who will see patients with chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, among others. The role of this RN/Case Manager is to educate the patient in diet, exercise, and if necessary, wound care as well as other tasks as needed. These patients, too, will be followed by the free clinics. If needed, We Care will refer the patient to a medical specialist.