Facts about health care surtax

Referendum is June 18

n If voters approve, sales tax would go up from 6.5 percent to 7 percent, generating an estimated $23 million annually.

n Would support a county health care plan emphasizing prevention, access to primary care and case management organized through "patient-centered medical homes"

n Would replace declining indigent care fund, and offset expenses now paid from property taxes

n It is a key piece of the county's effort to reduce property taxes 13 percent in unincorporated areas and 26 percent in cities

n Eligibility is restricted to Manatee County residents, but because federal law requires everyone be treated at a hospital emergency room, it's possible some undocumented people could benefit

n Target eligibility: Those with incomes up to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level who do not qualify for other state, federal or private insurance or benefits; Some examples -- $22,980 maximum annual income for a single person; $79,260 maximum for family of eight

n Most taxable consumer purchases more than $5,000 exempt from surtax -- Information from Manatee County