Healthcare Access

Adult/Child Access to Primary Care

COVID-19 Updates

HCAM List

• Make sure to call before referrals as many places have changed their policies due to COVID-19

Healthcare for the Homeless

• Emphasis on telehealth- please call 410-837-5533 to schedule an appointment/determine if an in person visit is necessary 

• Closed for now:

  • Saturday clinic hours at 421 Fallsway

  • Routine dental services—our dentists are still providing evaluations and referrals for emergency care 

• Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday – 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday – 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m

• Walk-in clients arrive by 2 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday; by 11 a.m. Thursday (NOTE: PLEASE TRY TO PHONE BEFOREHAND)

Total Healthcare

• Telehealth and in-person appointments available

• Mt. Royal Health Center is closed, but all other sites remain open (continue checking)

• Call 410-383-8300 to make an appointment

• Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm

Shepherd's Clinic:

• Limited hours: T/Th 9am-4pm and Fridays 9am-1pm

• Masks are required at all times

• Support persons only permitted If required for direct patient assistance

What to do:

If a client HAS Health Insurance:

1. Support the client in finding a primary care doctor by

   • Asking for the patients insurance card

   • If the client does not have the insurance card, ask them which insurance plan they have

2. Call the customers service line to support clients in finding a primary care center that will accept client's insurance

3. Provide the client with the information about their primary care doctor including

   • Clinic name

   • Phone number

   • Address

   • Appointment scheduling line (if applicable)

4. Follow up with client to make sure they have connected with a provider/clinic to meet their needs

If a client does NOT have currently have Health Insurance:

1. Help determine a clients primary care options by talking to them about the most important factors to them when selecting a primary care clinic including but not limited to:

   • Client's address

   • Client's income

   • Past experience with clinics

   • Language

   • Transportation

2. Provide the client with two options for clinics using HCAM List of "Low cost and no cost health care" in Baltimore

   • Note! The HCAM list has not been updated since 2015. Please make sure to call clinic and ask about sliding scale/cost of clinic before referring your client to said clinic.

3. Clients can apply for sliding scale - a payment agreement that allows clients to pay what they can afford in a flexible, individually tailored way

   • To apply for sliding scale, clients will need to meet with a Health/Benefits Advisor at their specified clinic.

   • Once approved, can visit their doctor/clinic for a reduced fee based on their income. 

4. You can also call or have your client call HCAM at 410-649-0521 for assistance with signing up for health coverage

5. Call with a client to schedule a primary care appointment and/or a meeting with a health benefits adviser

6. Follow up with client to make sure they have connected with a provider/clinic to meet their needs

Other Primary Care Resources

If you are having trouble connecting your client to a low cost/no cost clinic, consider referring them to one of the following:

Health Care For the Homeless:

https://www.hchmd.org/

This resource is particularly useful for clients currently experiencing homelessness. They provide a wide range of services from primary care to dental care.

Hours and Locations:

Address: 421 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday – 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday – 7 a.m.-12 p.m.; Saturday – 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

For appointments: Call 410-837-5533

Services include medical, nursing, dental and behavioral health care; case management; and outreach.

For walk-ins: To receive same-day care, walk-in clients should arrive by 2 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday; by 11 a.m. Thursday; and between 1-2 p.m. on Saturday. Walk-in services include adult, pediatric and family medical care; therapy; addictions treatment; insurance and benefits enrollment; and case management. On Saturdays, only adult, pediatric and family medical care and therapy are available.

Paul's Place:

Pauls place has a nurses clinic that offers blood pressure and weight screenings, first aid, health education, healthcare referrals, medical case management, and help with setting health goals. 

Clinic available every Wednesday from 11am-1pm

Location and contact info:

1118 Ward Street

Baltimore MD 21230

(410) 625 - 0775

Total Health Care: 

https://totalhealthcare.org/our-services-total-health-care-of-maryland/

Services:

• Adult primary care

• Pediatrics

• Women’s health

• Men’s health

• Dental care

• Immediate care

• Pharmacy

• Substance abuse treatment services

• Center for emotional and social health

• Early intervention services

• Support services

• Service awards

    For locations and contact information see this link!

Shepherd's Clinic: 

• For locations and more information, see Shepherd's Clinic website

• 410-467-7140 ext. 236

• Provides low-cost healthcare including: 

  • Medical Supplies

  • Psychiatry

  • Cancer screening

  • Preventative screening

  • Laboratory testing

  • Prescription medications

  • Adult primary care

  • Internal medicine

  • Cardiology

  • Dermatology

  • Endocrinology

  • Gynecology

Chase Brexton Healthcare Center

• Provides pediatric Primary Care, Adult Primary, Care, HIV/Infectious Disease Care, Behavioral Health OB/GYN Care, Substance Abuse Program, Dental for All Ages, Case Management Services

• For more information visit the Chase Brexton Website or call 410-837-2050 (or call 410-234-0327 for the pharmacy)

Adult Health Insurance

COVID UPDATES

Medicaid

• Renewals date has been extended to December 31, 2021; Medicaid coverage will not be cancelled during this time 

• See COVID-19 Maryland Medicaid updates here

• Many in person sites closed so it is best to apply for Medicaid over through MHC app or online

When to use this resource: when client is in need of low cost or free access to health insurance.

Note! There are two Maryland health insurance programs, Maryland Health Connection and Health Care Access Maryland, that can help eligible clients access the health care they need. It is a good idea to assess if your client has immediate health access needs. Due to the long processing time, ALL clients should be referred to a Primary Care clinic while they wait for their application to be approved.

What to do:

Refer client to one of the following...

• Maryland residents apply for Medicaid through Maryland Health Connection

• Medicaid and Managed Care Organizations (MCO's) provide health insurance to qualified clients

  • See MCO comparison chart PDF bellow

  • Call Health Choice at (855) 642 - 8572 to find out which MCO's work for clients hospital, doctor, or clinic 

Maryland Health Connection General Info

• The Maryland Health Connection has open enrollment for health care traditionally from November 1st - December 15th

• If your client needs to enroll outside of these dates see How to enroll/applying outside open enrollment

• Here is a list of things your client should have ready in order to apply: List of Documents -You can also refer to/print out the MHC application checklist PDF bellow to give to your client.

Questions to Consider Before Applying

• Has your client applied before? How recently?

• Were they successful in obtaining health insurance?

• Does your client meet eligibility requirements (see PDF bellow).

• Do they need food stamps? (Can apply for these with MD Sail application for MA4F)

Applying for Medicaid

***for overview of how to apply see https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/how-to-enroll/***

OPTION 1 - Through the MHC app

1. Download MHC's free mobile app, "Enroll MHC" on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

2. Select the Apply for Coverage tab.

3. Have your client log into their MHC account or create a new account and follow the app's instructions from there.

OPTION 2 - Apply Online

1. Help your client create an online account at Maryland Health Connection

2. Once they have an account, select Start New Application under Quick Links

3. Follow the instructions for the online application

4. If the client does not hear anything within 3-4 weeks, call and follow up with HCAM or MHC

Option 3 - Over the phone

1. With the client in the office, call either Health Care Access Maryland (HCAM) or Maryland Health Connection (MHC).

2. It should take no longer than 10-15 minutes to connect with a navigator. He/she will fill out the application for you while you provide them with the information. 

3. Make sure to take photocopies of the necessary documents for the client. These will need to be sent in later. 

Note! You can NOT apply for your client over the phone. Meaning, you can only call with your client PRESENT in the office or have your client call on their own, giving them the numbers listed bellow.

Phone numbers

HCAM 410-500-4710

MHC 1-855-642-8572

OPTION 4: Apply in Person

Your client can apply in person at their Local Consumer Assistance Organization, Local Social Services Office, or Local Health Department.

ACA Health Insurance Marketplace: 

• Provides specific information about coverage options. Includes public programs and private options; information on subsidy eligibility. Open enrollment for 2022 runs November 1, 2021- January 1, 2022.

• More information on the ACA Website

Medicare Rights Center: 

Provides Medicare rights, benefits, income based premium assistance, and phone assistance

• 
  

• Call 800-333-4114 for free counseling on Medicare benefits

• More information on Medicare Rights Website

• Refer patients to their Medicare Interactive tool for helpful videos and more

Maryland Parity Project

Assists with navigating private insurance barriers to accessing mental health care, including help with appeals or complaints

Click here for more Information or call:

(443) 901 - 1550 ext. 206

Child Health Insurance

COVID UPDATES

MCHP

• MCHP’s premiums have been waived until further notice

• Many in person application sites are closed so apply online or over the phone

When to use this resource:

Any child under the age of 18 is uninsured and needs health insurance. Low income children who are U.S. citizens or are legal permanent residents are eligible for MCHP.

Note! Due to the long processing time, ALL clients should be referred to a Primary Care clinic while they wait for their application to be approved. 

What to do:

Relatively same procedure as applying for adult health insurance. 

First Determine if your client's child qualifies via MCHP eligibility requirements or income eligibility requirements bellow. If they qualify, follow the instructions bellow.  

Note! Uninsured children under age 19 may qualify for MCHP Premium if their household income is above the MCHP income guidelines​ but is at or below 322% of the federal poverty level for their family size.

Applying for Maryland Children's Health Program

OPTION 1: Over the phone

1. With the client in the office, call either Health Care Access Maryland (HCAM) or Maryland Health Connection (MHC)

2. It should take no longer than 10-15 minutes to connect with a navigator

3. He/she will fill out the application for you while you provide them with the information

4. Make sure to take photocopies of the necessary documents for the client as these will need to be sent in later

Note! You can NOT apply for your client over the phone. Meaning, you can only call with your client PRESENT in the office or have your client call on their own, giving them the numbers listed bellow.

Phone numbers

HCAM 410-500-4710

MHC 1-855-642-8572

OPTION 2: Apply Online

1. Help your client create an online account at Maryland Health Connection

2. Once they have an account, select Start New Application under Quick Links

3. Follow the instructions for the online application

4. If the client does not hear anything within 3-4 weeks, call and follow up with HCAM or MHC

OPTION 3: Apply in Person

Your client can apply in person at their Local Consumer Assistance Organization, Local Health Department, or Local Social Services office

OPTION 4: Enroll MHC App

1. Help your client download the MHC app on his or her cellphone and computer. 

2. Help your client follow the instructions to make an account on the app 

3. Help your client go through the instructions for the online application

4. Make sure to tell the client that they must upload their documents onto the app from their computer because the app does not work well with this feature

Dental Care

COVID UPDATES

UMD Dental School

• Open for routine and urgent cases

• Cannot bring family members to appointments except interpretors or in the case of a minor one adult is permitted

• Face masks are required regardless of vaccination status

When to use this resource: for clients who do NOT have dental insurance and need routine and/or emergency dental care

What to do:

Refer your client to one of the resources bellow. Call clinic before referring your client, to ensure the clinic will be able to provide services your client needs. This can range anywhere from a regular dental check up to urgent dental care. Discuss clients needs with him/her before referral. 

Baltimore City Health Department

• The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) offers oral health services and urgent dental care services to low-income, uninsured and Medicaid residents of Baltimore City

• There are two locations in East and West Baltimore

  • Druid Dental Clinic – 1515 W. North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217 (410) 396-0840

    • Metro subway: Penn-North Station

    • MTA buses: No. 13 (Pennsylvania & North Ave.)

  • Eastern Dental Clinic – 620 N. Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21205 (443) 984-3548

    • Metro subway: Johns Hopkins Hospital 

    • MTA buses: No. 5 (Monument & Central Ave) and No. 21 (Caroline St. & Biddle Street)

• Hours are Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

• Cost: sliding scale fee and medicaid accepted

• You can also visit their website at https://health.baltimorecity.gov/node/89

University of Maryland Dental School

1. • The University of Maryland Dental School (UMDS) offers a wide range of dental services for adults and children. 

   • The costs of the services are usually significantly lower than regular dental clinics because the school’s students and residents perform the services.

   • Find an overview of all of their services at https://www.dental.umaryland.edu/patients/clinical-services/

For more low cost / no cost dental services see HCAM resources PDF bellow.

Prescription Assistance

When to use this resource: this need is for clients who are having trouble affording their prescriptions. There are several programs that can assist clients in getting a discount on their prescriptions.

General Steps

1. Determine what kind of prescriptions the client needs

2. Call respective insurance (Medicaid, Medicare, etc.) and find out what medications are covered and/or if there are any prescription assistance programs your client may qualify for 

3. Find the Prescription Assistance Program that best fits the client's need and consider

   1. Cost of prescriptions?

   2. What documents do they need to sign up?

   3. Are there any restrictions to signing up?

4. Assist your client in completing the application for the program best for them

5. Call client to confirm if you client has obtained  prescription assistance

Marylander Rx Card

• The Marylander Rx Card is a discount card that allows clients to access the Maryland prescription assistance program

• It is not a prescription plan, it just offers discounts up to 75% off

• The client must be a Maryland resident and can apply at http://www.marylandrxcard.com/index.php

NeedyMeds

• Another discount card similar to the Marylander Rx Card

• Anyone of any residence can apply for this card

• To apply cut out the card on the Express Sheet and follow the instructions

GoodRx

• Finds the lowest price of a prescription drug 

• Provides coupons to lower the cost of drugs

• Anyone can use GoodRx

• Use the free app or the GoodRx Website

Partnership for Prescription Assistance

• The Partnership for Prescription Assistance  is a copay program available to clients who qualify financially and medically

• Visit https://medicineassistancetool.org/My-Resources to find assistance in acquiring medications

The Pharmacia

• Delivers prescription medications to parts of the city that many pharmacies refuse to deliver to and helps with insurance and copay issues 

• Located at 1340 Smith Ave A, Baltimore, MD 21209

• Phone number: 443-388-8710

• More information on The Pharmacia Website

Refer to the HCAM prescription assistance PDF below for more resources.