Making Communities Healthier
“There are many things I like about working at Bridging Access to Care. I like the work environment and the camaraderie that is formed with my colleagues, But what I like the most is the services and support Bridging Access to Care provides for the clients to assist them with moving forward with their lives.” Henry Gaston, Case Manager
The Health Homes Program is a component of the New Health Care Reform (Obama Care) and is paid for through Medicaid. The Health Homes Program could benefit you if you are on Medicaid and have any one of the following chronic medical conditions including but not limited to: heart disease, asthma, hypertension, HIV/AIDS, substance use, diabetes, mental health illness and high cholesterol.
Do I have to enroll in Health Homes?
No. Enrolling in the Health Homes program is your choice. If you decide to enroll in the Health Homes program, our Health Homes care manager will help you manage all of your health care and social service needs. Once you enroll in the Health Homes program, you may choose to disenroll at any time.
How do I enroll in Health Homes
You can talk to your current service provider or you can contact a Health Homes at any time to find out if you are eligible to enroll. You also may be referred to a Health Homes by Medicaid, based on care and services you have already received. Or, you can be referred by your Managed Care plan, doctor, specialist, hospital emergency room or discharge planner, or Social Service District.
What is the Health Homes Program?
In New York State, many people get their health benefits through the Medicaid Program. Most people are generally healthy. However, others may have chronic health problems and can’t find providers and services. Without the right providers and services, it is hard for people to get well and stay healthy. New York State’s Health Homes program was created with these people in mind. The goal of Bridging Access to Care’s Health Homes program is to make sure our clients get the care and services needed. This may mean fewer trips to the emergency room or, less time spent in the hospital. It could mean getting regular care and services from doctors and providers. Or, finding a safe place to live, and a way to get to medical appointments.
What is Health Homes?
A ‘Health Homes’ is not a place; it is a group of health care and service providers working together to make sure you get the care and services you need to stay healthy.
Once you are enrolled in a Health Homes, you will have your own care manager. The care manager will work with you to set up a care plan and appointments and get the services you need to put you on the road to better health. Some of the services may be:
- health care providers
- mental health and substance abuse providers
- medications
- housing
- social services (such as food, benefits, and locating transportation) or other community programs that will support and assist you.
Is Health Homes right for you?
If you are a Medicaid recipient or believe you may qualify for Medicaid, think about the following questions:
- Do you have chronic or mental health conditions for which you need regular doctors care?
- Do you have a doctor you can see when you need to?
- How many times have you been in the emergency room or hospital in the past six months? Twelve months?
- Do you have a safe place to live?
- Do you have someone in your life to help you whenever you need help?
- Do you have difficulty keeping medical appointments?
Is Health Homes right for you?
If you are a Medicaid recipient or believe you may qualify for Medicaid, think about the following questions:
- Do you have chronic or mental health conditions for which you need regular doctors care?
- Do you have a doctor you can see when you need to?
- How many times have you been in the emergency room or hospital in the past six months? Twelve months?
- Do you have a safe place to live?
- Do you have someone in your life to help you whenever you need help?
- Do you have difficulty keeping medical appointments?
Does it cost me anything to enroll?
The services listed above are at no cost to you and are available for you through your Medicaid Managed Care Plan. The purpose of the Health Homes Program is to encourage and assist you in maintaining a better quality of health care through consistent attendance with your primary care provider. Download the brochure here. Health Homes Brochure
Source: New York State Department of Health
Linkage Navigation – BAC offers family-centered low-intensive case management services for HIV-infected and affected individuals and families, as well as individuals whose behaviors place them at high risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. Linkage Navigation services include comprehensive treatment adherence program for HIV-negative persons and persons living with HIV and at high risk for non-adherence. Services include education, pharmacy counseling, modified direct observed therapy, individual counseling, and group treatment education.
For further information on Health Homes and how it can benefit you, please contact Gail Greenidge, Director of Social Support Services at 347-505-5171 or Doreen Walker, Supervisor of Health Homes, 347-505-5187.