Looking for healthcare insurance coverage?
MAYVILLE - Are you, or someone you know, one of the more than 13,000 residents living within Chautauqua County who does not have health insurance?
With the continued rising cost of health care, people everywhere are struggling to maintain affordable health care coverage for themselves and their families. The recent economic downturn has left many without employer-sponsored insurance for the first time in their lives.
Continuing this coverage through COBRA is not affordable for most families, despite government efforts to bring down the cost. Others may have chosen retirement to avoid an impending lay-off and qualify for Medicare coverage. However, their spouse may find themselves uninsured if they aren't yet old enough to receive Medicare benefits. For all of these reasons, it has never been more important for community members to know about the Get Covered Helpline, a service available locally at no charge.
Since 2006, the Chautauqua County Health Network (CCHN) has operated the Get Covered Helpline as a service to both health care providers and the community. By calling this toll-free number (1-888-753-7315), individuals are linked to information about medical, dental, prescription, and vision coverage options and related costs. The Helpline offers tips on things to consider when selecting health insurance, help understanding coverage descriptions, questions to ask insurers, all with follow-up information sent by mail. The Helpline is answered locally by Heather Buck who understands the resources available, offering unbiased information and guidance on a variety of insurance and coverage options.
Through its partnerships with local hospitals and physicians, as well as the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Department of Social Services, Chautauqua Opportunities, Senior Life Matters, and Office for the Aging, CCHN maintains up-to-date information on services and programs available to help bridge coverage gaps and reach residents from all backgrounds.
"The goal of Get Covered has always been to provide information and assistance to individuals and families that may not know the coverage options available to them," said Ann Morse Abdella, CCHN Executive Director. "By working to identify options on a case-by-case basis, we are assisting many individuals to find coverage that will allow them access to health care services which is a key component of our organization's mission."
Abdella encourages anyone who finds themselves or a family member without health insurance to call the Get Covered Helpline at 1-888-753-7315. It is answered daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. by Buck and evening calls can be arranged by leaving a message.
