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(Augusta) In the wake of
several companies announcing lay-offs throughout the state, Consumers
for Affordable Health Care (CAHC) is providing free services to help
laid-off workers access health care. CAHC operates the Maine
Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program and a toll-free HelpLine
designed to provide individualized help for these workers and anyone
else struggling to afford health coverage. In just the past two
weeks several hundred Mainers have been laid off at Barber Foods, the
Portland Press Herald, two different Lowe's stores, and other locations
identified by CAHC HelpLine callers.
CAHC's HelpLine is a
statewide, toll-free number (1-800-965-7476) for those who are
interested in what private and public health insurance options are
available to them. CAHC is a private, non-profit and does not
sell health insurance; however CAHC can provide information,
assistance, and referrals regarding health coverage. Every call into
the HelpLine remains confidential, unless the caller grants permission
to share their story with the public.
"The HelpLine is a
critical program for consumers, especially in today's harsh economic
climate," said Jaime D'Errico, CAHC's Consumer Assistance Program
Manager. "It is absolutely essential for these newly laid-off
workers and others to understand what rights and options for
affordable, quality health insurance are available to them and their
families."
CAHC's HelpLine staff
members have received extensive training in both private and public
health insurance coverage options. They often work with the Maine
Department of Labor "rapid response" team to do on-site
presentations for groups of laid-off workers at the company's request.
In addition to helping people
understand what private and public insurance options are available to
them, including MaineCare (which is free or low-cost coverage to
eligible households), CAHC also assists consumers with:
- Filing private
health insurance appeals of denied benefits;
- Finding a health
care provider or "non-insurance" programs that can help;
- Filing for the
small business tax credit;
- Understanding
rights and responsibilities;
- Enrolling in
MaineCare;
- And more.
Please call the HelpLine
today at 1-800-965-7476 for assistance or go to www.mainecahc.org for more
information.
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