NUHEALTH STARTS CAMPAIGN TO HELP THOUSANDS OF UNINSURED PATIENTS OBTAIN HEALTH INSURANCE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2013
PRESS CONTACT:
Shelley Lotenberg
shelley@numc.edu
516-572-6055
NUHEALTH STARTS CAMPAIGN TO HELP THOUSANDS OF UNINSURED PATIENTS OBTAIN HEALTH INSURANCE
East Meadow, NY…………..In an effort to help enroll thousands of NuHealth’s uninsured patients who are eligible under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for subsidized health insurance on the Exchanges, Arthur A. Gianelli, President/CEO of the NuHealth System, announces a campaign to educate NuHealth’s patient base and help them become insured. The campaign will take place at the Nassau University Medical Center and at NuHealth’s federally qualified health centers, located throughout Nassau County.
There are key changes with federal healthcare reform under the ACA that will enable New Yorkers to purchase health insurance through the NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace. This Marketplace will enable consumers to compare health insurance options, calculate costs and even obtain assistance in selecting coverage. “We want to make it easier and more convenient by helping our uninsured patient base to understand, compare and buy health insurance in order to obtain comprehensive health benefits, including preventive services,” said Gianelli. “Starting on October 1st, our patients can end the anxiety of not having insurance as they may be eligible for free or low cost health insurance for doctors’ visits, ER visits, inpatient hospitalization, obstetric care and delivery, prescription drugs, mental health, with dental and eye care included in most plans.”
Open enrollment starts on October 1, 2013 and coverage can begin as soon as January 1, 2014. The Marketplace is mainly for those under 65, who are uninsured and do not have health insurance through a job. Medicaid and Child Health Plus will also be available through the Marketplace.
Kevin Dahill, President/CEO of the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council stated: “Our enrollment staff is ready and fully-trained to expertly assist individuals and businesses in comparing insurance options and plans and to help them select a plan that best meets their health needs and budget. Because of the marketplace, Long Island’s nearly 400,000 uninsured will have the chance to purchase affordable health insurance for the very first time.”
“Healthfirst is delighted to work with NuHealth to educate Nassau County residents about affordable health insurance options through the NY State Marketplace, including Healthfirst Leaf Plans,” said Errol Pierre, Assistant Vice President of Product Management. “Our representatives are highly trained and ready to answer all healthcare reform and health insurance questions New York residents may have. As a not-for-profit managed care organization, offering free and low-cost health insurance to individuals and families living in New York is our mission.”
The NuHealth campaign will include:
• Onsite enrollment provided by certified counselors/enrollers is being offered not only at the Nassau University Medical Center, but at each of the Family Health Centers, including evening hours until 8 p.m. at some locations. Enrollers from Healthfirst (1-888-250-2220) or the Nassau Suffolk Hospital Council (1-631-656-9783) can assist those without insurance to understand how they qualify for coverage through the ACA.
• The NuHealth contact number where eligible consumers can inquire about their insurance options is 516-566-3951. The NuHealth website www.nuhealth.net/insuranceaccess will provide basic information on how to enroll, with links to various sites. Social media pages will also include information.
• NY State of Health has a customer service center (855-355-5777) which can assist callers to enroll or answer questions regarding the various health plans and how tax credits can provide financial assistance to reduce the cost of coverage. www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov
• Seminars are scheduled to be conducted by our partner HealthFirst, at NUMC and at the health centers to provide an overview of the Marketplace and how to our patients should go about enrolling. HealthFirst has more than 24,000 providers, with easy access to physicians, hospitals throughout NYC and Nassau, with representatives who speak many languages.
• Mailings to identified eligible uninsured patients from health centers and from hospital clinics with information on obtaining affordable insurance are being conducted. Posters and fliers will be available at key check-in locations.
• Uninsured patients checking in for their appointments will be referred for enrollment during their visit process. Front line registration staff, all wearing insurance buttons, will be trained on identifying eligible patients and begin handing out information regarding eligibility and enrollment.
ABOUT NUHEALTH
NuHealth is a Long Island health care organization delivering essential medical care and disease and lifestyle management to everyone at every stage of life. Also known as Nassau Health Care Corporation, NuHealth is a public benefit corporation managing the operations of Nassau Medical Center, A. Holly Patterson Extended Care and a network of Family Health Centers that bring primary and specialty care out into the community. By emphasizing wellness, cultural sensitivity and collaborative efforts with the North Shore-LIJ Health System, NuHealth is working to make good care more affordable and easier to access.
For more information about NuHealth or its Centers of Care, visit www.nuhealth.net.