Advocacy for Access (affordable Health Care Enrollment)

Advocacy for Access, which is part of Berkshire Health Systems, helps uninsured and underinsured people access various programs that can pay for healthcare services, thereby reducing or eliminating inability to pay as a barrier to receiving health care. This program is offered by Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield and Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington.

If you live in Massachusetts, you may be able to get health insurance or help paying for your health care bills through a state program like MassHealth, the Massachusetts Health Connector, Health Safety Net, or Medical Hardship. Each program has different rules and income limits. Our staff can help you navigate the many available options. Assistance is available for individuals of all ages. For the link to Advocacy for Access website click here

Berkshire Health Systems (Health Care Services)

Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) is the Berkshire’s largest provider of comprehensive healthcare services. BHS serves the region through a network of affiliates which include Berkshire Medical Center, the BMC Hillcrest Campus, Fairview Hospital, Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association, BHS physician practices, and long-term care associate Berkshire Healthcare Systems. The stated mission of BHS is to improve the health of all people in the Berkshires and surrounding communities, regardless of their ability to pay. The stated vision is to be a premier integrated health system, recognized nationally for delivering the highest-quality, patient-centered care in a learning environment.  For the link to BHS website click here

Community Health Programs (Health Care Services and Enrollment)

Community Health Programs (CHP) wants to help you get and keep your health insurance for yourself and your family. Finding and applying for the health insurance that’s right for you and your family can be an intimidating and confusing process. CHP’s Certified Patient Navigators are here to assist you. This is a FREE service available to any Massachusetts resident, and you do not have to be a CHP patient to get help.

CHP accepts most forms of insurance: private or employer-based plans, MassHealth (Medicaid), Medicare, and the many plans offered by the Massachusetts Health Connector (Affordable Care Act).

For income-eligible patients in need of insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector, our enrollment counselors provide assistance in applying for ACA insurance and MassHealth.

CHP cares for all patients regardless of income, immigration status, or insurance limitations. We offer a sliding-fee scale for income-qualified patients without access to insurance. Private pay patients are also welcome. For the link to CHP website click here

Ecu-Health Care (affordable Health Care Enrollment)

Ecu-Health Care is a private non-profit health coverage access program located at 99 Hospital Avenue Suite 208, on the Northern Berkshire Campus of Berkshire Medical center, in North Adams, whose mission is to help the uninsured and underinsured residents of North Berkshire access affordable health care.

Ecu-Health Care is the designated outreach and enrollment site in northern Berkshire County for all of the Massachusetts health programs and also helps residents enroll into all supplemental programs associated with Medicare.  Ecu-Health Care helps residents access: The new subsidized and unsubsidized Qualifed Health Plans implemented under national health reform, ConnectorCare, MassHealth, the Health Safety Net, The Children’s Medical Security Plan, Medicare Part-D, Prescription Advantage for seniors and the disabled, Medicare premium assistance, reduced fee dental care, and all prescription assistance programs. The agency serves all North Berkshire residents from North Adams and towns of Cheshire, Adams, Savoy, Florida, Clarksburg, Williamstown, and New Ashford.

The agency has trained SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Everyone) counselors, helping elders understand their health benefits and making sure they access all available health care programs they are eligible for including the Medicare drug benefit, called Medicare part-D.

MassHealth Enrollment (Health Care Enrollment)

In Massachusetts, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are combined into one program called MassHealth. MassHealth members may be able to get doctors visits, prescription drugs, hospital stays, and many other important services. For information about applying for MassHealth, the Health Safety Net, and the Children’s Medical Security Plan click here for the link to the MassHealth website.

Massachusetts Health Connector (Health Care Enrollment)

The Health Connector offers health and dental coverage from the state’s leading insurers–and provides tools that make it easier to find out what plans cost savings you and your family may be eligible for. The Open Enrollment Period for Massachusetts individuals and families is November 1, 2020 through January 1, 2021. You can apply at any time of the year if you are applying for dental plans or help paying for health coverage including MassHealth, Children’s Medical Security Plan (CMSP), Health Safety Net, or ConnectorCare. Or, if you experienced a qualifying event. For the link to the Health Connector website click here

Volunteers In Medicine (Assess to Free Care)

Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) provides access to free, comprehensive health care for those in the Berkshire region who are income-qualified and uninsured or under-insured. VIM envisions a society in which everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve good health.

VIM treats patients with chronic illness as well as those in need of acute, life-saving procedures. VIM negotiates world medical class care at no cost, including transportation to leading hospitals. VIM is a leader in innovative healthcare in the Berkshires and offers comprehensive care and creative programs, including Shared Medical Appointments, non-opioid pain management, group exercise and community outreach.

VIM supports the business community by keeping farm workers, landscapers, restaurant workers and others healthy and on the job. For the link to Volunteers In Medicine website click here

 

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