MaineHealth program aims to keep Mainers covered when a COVID-19 job loss means losing health insurance

May 11, 2020

Contact: Danielle Robinson
207-662-2882 / danielle.robinson@mainehealth.org

Portland, Maine – With thousands of Mainers losing jobs and, often, employer-sponsored health insurance during the recent COVID-19 outbreak, leaders of a program at MaineHealth want people to know that assistance is available to connect them with resources to obtain new coverage and find affordable options for care.

The MaineHealth Access to Care team specializes in assisting patients in getting the coverage and care they need. With more than 100,000 Mainers out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, program leaders say they remain ready to support those whose health care coverage has been impacted.

“Not all Mainers and patients in the MaineHealth service area are aware of the variety of programs we offer to assist with access to health care resources. We want to let them know that we’re here to help,” says Kimberly Beaudoin, Access to Care Coverage Team director.

The help line for the Access to Care team is (833) MHHELP1 (833-644-3571). There is no charge to use this help line, as the program is fully funded by MaineHealth. Callers are screened for all available state and federal programs and supported throughout the application process. The goal is to provide access to comprehensive, affordable health care and an improved quality of life.

Access to Care also provides uninsured Mainers and those who do not qualify for public and private health insurance access to a team of Coverage Case Managers to help identify applicable programs. In addition to offering options related to insurance, the program assists with low-cost/free prescription drug programs, donated health care services, connections to transportation, services for those experiencing homelessness and addresses other needs such as food insecurity, heating assistance, etc. Access to Care aims to take a holistic approach to assisting vulnerable populations. 

“This program is in keeping with our vision working together so our communities are the healthiest in America,” says Bill Caron, CEO of MaineHealth. “Access to Care works to ensure comprehensive, affordable health care and improve the quality of life. In these uncertain and trying times, we want anyone in need of support to reach out to us so that we can help.”

For more information, visit www.mainehealth.org/healthy-communities/access-to-care.

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About MaineHealth:
MaineHealth is a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of nine local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,700 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With close to 22,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. It includes Franklin Memorial Hospital/Franklin Community Health Network in Farmington, LincolnHealth in Damariscotta and Boothbay Harbor, Maine Behavioral Healthcare in South Portland, MaineHealth Care at Home in Saco, Maine Medical Center in Portland, Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H., Mid Coast-Parkview Health in Brunswick, NorDx in Scarborough, Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County Hospital in Rockport and Belfast, Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford and Sanford, Spring Harbor Hospital in Westbrook and Stephens Memorial Hospital/Western Maine Health Care in Norway. MaineHealth Affiliates include Maine General Health in Augusta and Waterville, New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland and St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. It is also a significant stakeholder in the MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization in Portland.
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