Month: March 2025

Community health programs expand healthcare access by providing affordable services and resources to individuals and families in Tennessee. These programs are designed to address health issues and promote well-being within a community by focusing on non-clinical approaches that address the social, behavioral, environmental, economic, and medical determinants of health. 

Understanding these programs empowers residents to navigate available resources and find cost-effective healthcare solutions tailored to their needs.

Importance of Community Health: 

Community health programs are essential for public health because they address the root causes of health problems and promote a healthy environment for all members of the community. 

GetCoveredTenn exemplifies this effort by offering free, unbiased guidance to help individuals navigate their health insurance options. This service is especially valuable for those facing financial barriers or limited access to information. By equipping people with the knowledge to make informed healthcare choices, GetCoveredTenn helps create a more equitable healthcare system across Tennessee.

Through these targeted efforts, community health programs not only enhance individual health outcomes but also strengthen the overall well-being of the community. This collective approach ensures that everyone has the resources needed to lead healthier lives, contributing to a fairer healthcare system for all.

Breaking Barriers to Healthcare Access

Tennessee faces several hurdles in healthcare access, such as high insurance costs and complex enrollment processes. Rural areas often struggle with limited healthcare services, language barriers, and transportation issues. 

Community health programs like GetCoveredTenn are pivotal for tackling these obstacles. They offer free, personalized assistance to help residents understand their healthcare options and navigate insurance plans like TennCare and CoverKids. By collaborating with local organizations, GetCoveredTenn ensures that resources are tailored to meet the specific needs of each community, leaving no one behind.

Benefits of Community Health Programs

Community health programs significantly enhance access to affordable healthcare, leading to improved health outcomes. By connecting individuals with suitable insurance plans and healthcare services, these programs help alleviate the financial strain of medical expenses. 

GetCoveredTenn, for example, provides critical services, such as health insurance enrollment assistance and personalized healthcare advice, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health. These programs offer peace of mind, knowing that support is available when needed.

How to Get Involved with Community Health Programs

Getting involved in community health programs starts with exploring available resources and services in your area. Many organizations offer free or low-cost healthcare, insurance guidance, and wellness initiatives designed to support individuals and families. Volunteering, attending local health events, or spreading awareness about these programs can also help strengthen community health efforts.

One way to take action is by utilizing services like GetCoveredTenn, which provides free, unbiased assistance in navigating health insurance options. Start by visiting the GetCoveredTenn website or reaching out to their team for personalized guidance. They will help you explore available options and find the best healthcare solutions for your family. 

You can also attend local health fairs and community events where GetCoveredTenn representatives are present to provide valuable information and support. Participating in these programs not only benefits your health but also strengthens community connections, fostering a supportive network for all residents. 

Sometimes, you may even be able to attend an event at your local library that explains various healthcare programs available. Check your library’s list of events regularly to see what’s on the schedule. By accessing these resources, individuals can find affordable coverage and contribute to a healthier, more informed community.

Get Access to Care with the Help of Family & Children’s Service

Community health programs expand access to care and promote health access across Tennessee. By addressing local challenges and reducing barriers, these initiatives help more people receive the care they need. 

Explore your healthcare options and take advantage of the resources available through Get Covered Tennessee. For more information and assistance in finding affordable health coverage, contact us at Family & Children’s Service. Together, we can work towards a healthier, more equitable future for all Tennesseans.

 

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Open Enrollment is your window of opportunity to sign up for a Marketplace health insurance plan. It usually occurs between November 1 and January 15 but varies by state. If you miss your chance to enroll or change your plan during open enrollment, you might not be able to sign up for a health insurance plan until the next open enrollment period. However, special enrollment periods might offer you a chance to enroll despite missing the deadline.

There are a series of specific circumstances outlined below that qualify for special enrollment.  A Special Enrollment Period enables you to sign up for coverage outside Open Enrollment. We’ve put together this article to provide clarity on what circumstances qualify for Special Enrollment Period. Here’s what you need to know. 

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you or anyone in your household lost qualifying health coverage in the past 60 days OR expects to lose coverage in the next 60 days. (If you lost TennCare or CoverKids coverage in the past 90 days, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.)

Life Changes

Significant life changes may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. Below you will find a list of qualifying life changes.

Household Changes

You may qualify if you or anyone in your household has undergone any of these changes in the past 60 days.

• Gotten married – In this case, coverage will start on the first day of the month after you pick a plan
• Adopted a child, had a baby, or placed a child in foster care – Coverage starts the day of the event
• Lost insurance coverage due to a divorce or separation
• Lost coverage due to a family member’s death

Moving Residences

Unless you’re moving from outside the country, you must prove that you had health coverage for at least one of the 60 days before your move. 

• Changing residences to a home in a different ZIP code or county
• Moving into the US from a US territory or foreign country
• Moving to an area to attend school
• Changing location for seasonal work
• Moving to transitional living or a shelter

Loss of Coverage

Job-based Coverage

• You lose employer-provided health coverage through your job or a family member’s job
• Your parent or guardian is no longer able to provide coverage because you are no longer considered dependent.

Individual Health Coverage

You may qualify if you cannot maintain individual coverage for the following reasons.

• Your plan is discontinued
• You move out of the plan’s service area
• Your household income has decreased, and now you qualify for savings on a Marketplace plan. 
• Your coverage ends in the middle of the calendar year.

Denied Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Coverage

• Household income has changed
• Your child aged out of TennCare or CoverKids program 
• Your state agency didn’t notify you that you weren’t eligible until after the Open Enrollment period ended.

Other Qualifying Circumstances for Special Enrollment

Many unusual circumstances may qualify you for Special Enrollment. Here are just a few of them.

• Being impacted by a natural disaster
• Becoming a US citizen
• Leaving incarceration
• Gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe
• Gaining status as an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation shareholder
• Starting or ending service as a member of VISTA, AmeriCorps State and National, or National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) 

Discover Your Health Insurance Options 

Signing up for health coverage during Open Enrollment is ideal, but life doesn’t always work that way. If you have special circumstances that qualify you for Special Enrollment or need additional guidance, please contact us today! At Get Covered Tennessee, we are here to help you make healthy choices for you and your family.

 

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