Do I qualify for Access to Care?

Many are without health insurance for a number of reasons and struggle to find quality healthcare.  Find out if you qualify for the Access to Care Program.

• I live in Summit County, Ohio
• I am between ages 18-64 years old
• I do not have or am not eligible for health insurance
• I earn less than $21,660 per year (family of one)

If you answered YES to all of these, you may qualify for the Access to Care Program.  Priority sign-up is given to households with family members at risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, lung disease or those who are working for an employer who does not provide health insurance. 

Please call 330-315-0209

What is Access to Care?
Access to Care is a program that can help you find low cost to no cost health care.  This program is not insurance.

Why do I need a general doctor?

• Your doctor can take better care of you when you get medical care from the same place on a regular basis.
• Your doctor can help you get well and stay well by seeing you on a regular basis (at least once a year)

How do I schedule appointments?

• We will schedule your first appointment with your general doctor.
• You will schedule follow-up appointments. 
• Always show your Access to Care card and photo ID when you go to the doctor.

What if I need to see a special type of doctor?

• First talk to your general doctor.  If he agrees, he will send Access to Care a referral. 
• We will make an appointment for you and call to let you know when it is. 
• If you schedule appointments with a special type of doctor on your own, you will be responsible for the bill. 
• Always show your Access to Care card and photo ID when you go to the doctor.

What happens if I miss an appointment?

• You should call the doctor’s office at least 24 hours before the appointment to cancel the appointment and reschedule. 
• If you miss two appointments and you have not called to cancel them, you may be dropped from the program.

Where do I go if I need medicine?

• Call the Access to Care Pharmacy Coordinator at 330-344-4082. 

What happens if a doctor tells me I need to go and get an X-ray or have blood drawn?

• Go to a hospital near you to have it done (Akron General Medical Center, Akron City Hospital, Summa Barberton Hospital, St. Thomas Hospital, or Summa Western Reserve Hospital).  If you go anywhere else, you will be responsible for the bill.  You may still have to pay the doctor who reads the X-ray.
• Always show your Access to Care card and photo ID when you go to the hospital.

What if I need to see a dentist?

• Access to Care does not have any dentists in the program.
• The following dental offices provide services at a discount based on your income.  You may have to pay something for these services:
• ACHR Dental Clinic:  330-785-2044
• Summa Center for Dental Health:  330-375-6262 (Tell them you are in Access to Care)

What happens if I receive a bill from a doctor or hospital?

• Call Access to Care at 330-315-0209.  We will help you figure out whether or not you need to pay it.
• Do not ignore any bills, even if you cannot afford to pay them.

What should I do if I think I need to go to the Emergency Department?

• Call your general doctor’s office. 
• You may get a bill for the doctor who sees you in the Emergency Department visit and you may be responsible for this bill. Please call Access to Care to make sure.
• At the Emergency Department, fill out the application for Patient Financial Assistance.  You may be able to keep from getting bills.

What if I have other questions about Access to Care?

• Call your Enrollment Coordinator, or 
• Call Access to Care at 330-315-0209.