New program to help uninsured residents receive insurance and health care
Earlier this month, the United States Census Bureau released it’s “Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2013” report. The findings of the report show that the state of Pennsylvania has seen a slight decrease in the number of people without health insurance.
According to the report, 9.8 percent of the state’s population was without health insurance in 2012. In 2013, that number dropped slightly to 9.7 percent. Similar statistics were reflected in neighboring states like Ohio with 11.5 percent in 2012 to 11 percent in 2013 and West Virginia with 14.4 percent in 2012 and 14 percent in 2013.
To continue helping Pennsylvanians receive insurance, and in turn the health care they are seeking, Uniontown Hospital is entering a partnership with Cornerstone Care of Uniontown to help uninsured residents learn what health care options are available to them.
“Our patients will always be our priority,” said Steve Handy, Uniontown Hospital CEO. “We are entering this partnership with Cornerstone as a means to help our uninsured friends and neighbors find insurance that they can afford and help them maintain their health and well-being with health coverage that suits their needs.”
“Here in Fayette County, we have a number of uninsured individuals. This program will provide them an opportunity to sit down with an expert and discuss their needs and the needs of their family,” said Josh Krysak, coordinator, community relations at Uniontown Hospital. “It will be more information that what they would typically be able to get on their own. They will have an expert there to get them through it. Our hope is it will help increase the insured number of Pennsylvanians and to make sure they are getting the health coverage they need.”
Cornerstone Care, a nonprofit, works to improve the health of residents in communities throughout southwestern Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia and eastern Ohio obtain affordable health care, which includes dental and mental health services.
“Cornerstone will have a dedicated representative that works with us. When patients come to the hospital, whether it is in the emergency department or diagnostic testing, they will have to register. When they register, if they are found to not have insurance or be self pay, they will be provided with information about this program. It will give them the opportunity to call and set up an appointment,” explained Krysak. “The representative will be here on site at the hospital or the diagnostic center, and she will be able to sit down with them individually.”
Additionally, those who are uninsured can schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor. These counseling sessions will allow people to see what is available for them in several federal and state programs including the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These sessions will also be able to help those seeking open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace starting on Nov. 15.
According to Teresa Tanner, outreach and enrollment specialist at Cornerstone, people will be able to learn what programs are available to them and how to make their health care more affordable.
“There are low-cost options available and no one can be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition,” she said.
There is no fee to participate in this program.
“All you have to do is make a phone call and show up. This is an excellent opportunity to allow health care experts to review each individual’s situation and help area residents make the best possible decisions for their physical and fiscal health,” said Krysak.
Appointments can be made by calling Cornerstone Care at 724-880-7137 or 724-852-4411.