Submitted By Access Community Health Network

Enrollment for CountyCare, the state’s new Medicaid program for adults, has been in full swing for a number of months, and Access Community Health Network would like to share information for Lawndale News readers on just how beneficial enrollment can be.

Health reform is bringing some new hope for the uninsured, and CountyCare is making a huge impact on our patients, our communities and the County as a whole.

CountyCare is more flexible than many people know—patients covered by CountyCare can get their care at ACCESS with no sliding fee, and be linked to a medical home that they can trust.

By enrolling in CountyCare, eligible Illinois residents are able to enjoy some of the benefits of the upcoming Affordable Care Act (ACA) in advance. ACCESS has been enrolling Illinois residents into this program, both at health centers and at enrollment events, as well as has been working with community partners to bring valuable information to the Latino community.

When a person enrolls in CountyCare with ACCESS, we work to get them an appointment so they can get linked to regular health care right away. At ACCESS, we believe that having medical coverage is not enough. They now need to be linked to a health care home to start addressing their health care needs immediately.

CountyCare Benefits:
Uninsured residents who haven’t been to a doctor’s office for years—or even decades—are now able to gain regular access to quality health care through regular physician visits, as well as receive the medications they need. Other benefits inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, ER visits, hospice care, family planning, laboratory and X-ray services, among others.

CountyCare Eligibility Requirements:

• Live in Cook County
• Be 19-64 years of age
• Be a legal immigrant for at least 5 years or be a U.S. citizen
• Meet income requirements (limits are $15,282 of income per year for an individual or $20,628 for a couple)
• Have a Social Security Number or have applied for one
• Not eligible for any other Medicaid or Medicare program

ACCESS is one of the largest networks of community health centers in Illinois with nearly 40 health centers, serving nearly 200,000 patients—many right in the Latino community. Let us help you and your family stay healthier. It is easy to enroll in CountyCare, please call 1-773-247-2085 to set up an appointment to enroll today. ACCESS has bilingual staff members who are ready to answer your call.