Local programs seek to help uninsured

Special signups offered at community food banks

Prince Frederick, MD (Mar. 18, 2009) - Next week, volunteers will spread out across Calvert at area churches and food banks to reach out to those who do not have health insurance. "We want people to know that there are programs available to help them," said Margaret Fowler, director of community wellness at Calvert Memorial Hospital.

The effort is part of "Cover the Uninsured Week," a national public awareness campaign March 22 - 28 to focus attention on the uninsured and to bring together those who are interested in finding solutions.

As the economy worsens and layoffs continue to climb, the number of people who skip doctor visits or put off important tests increases, said Fowler. "Our big push this year," she said, "is to get as many people as possible signed up so they have access to primary care."

The hospital is joining with its health team ministry network, the health department and social services to set up special enrollment stations around the county. Starting Saturday, volunteers will be available at various locations to answer questions and help residents fill out the paperwork to apply.

"Anyone who is interested in applying for medical assistance," said Fowler, "needs to bring proof of residence and their most recent pay stubs."

"We're not turning anyone away, she said. ""If you've just lost your job and are unemployed, you can still apply for other healthcare programs."

Here is a list of the enrollment locations:

  • Saturday, March 21 - 8:30 to 11 a.m., Jesus the Good Shepherd Church, Owings
  • Tuesday, March 24 - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry, Huntingtown
  • Tuesday, March 24, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Crossroads Christian Church, St. Leonard
  • Wednesday, March 25 - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., SMILE, Lusby
  • Thursday, March 26 - 9:30 - 12:30 p.m., Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry, Huntingtown

In Calvert County, almost 6,000 residents do not have health insurance. Forty percent of those uninsured are between the ages of 19-34, according to state figures. Some 29 percent hold down jobs, most of them in small companies with less than 10 employees. Only 12 percent of the uninsured lives in families in which there are no working adults.

There is a significant portion of the population that is not served by federal and state programs that target the elderly, children and the poor. Calvert Healthcare Solutions was created in 2001 to fill that gap.

The eight-year-old organization doubled its enrollment from 78 to 183 participants last year. Since it was formed, CHS has provided primary health care to over 1,000 uninsured county residents. Local physicians care for patients in their primary offices. The hospital provides low-cost lab and X-ray services. CHS also helps with prescription costs.

There are no enrollment fees, no deductibles and no monthly cost to participate. However, a $15 fee is required per office visit. Applicants must be 19 years or older, not eligible for Medicare and meet income requirements, up to $1,733 for a single person per month and up to $3,533 for a family of four.

"Although we receive grant funding," said Jon Frank, CHS president, "there is an ongoing need for private fund raising."

On Saturday, March 28 at 10:30 a.m., the health department is sponsoring their fourth annual Keep Your Colon Rollin' 5K walk/run at Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard. This event is for the entire family. Proceeds will benefit Calvert Healthcare Solutions.

The entry fee is $20 before March 20 and $25 on race day. Each participant will receive a T-shirt. A trophy will be awarded to the overall male and female finisher. Medals will be given to the top three male and female winners in each age group.

The park opens to participants at 9:30 a.m. Race-day registration/packet pick-up starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 10:15 a.m. Contact the race director with any questions at 410-535-4000 ext. 355 or by email at CommunityHealthCCHD@dhmh.state.md.us.

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Calvert Memorial Hospital
100 Hospital Road
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
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