Success Stories
Enrolling in coverage: A Go-To Resource for New Yorkers When Life Changes Happen
Marcia first came to the Community Service Society (CSS) when she lost her job. The premium for COBRA coverage was too expensive, and she became confused and intimidated by the vast array of choices online. A health insurance Navigator explained her insurance options simply and clearly and helped her enroll in Medicaid.
Resolving Medical Bills: Overcoming Grief and a Pile of Bills
After John Olin’s beloved wife passed away, he faced stacks of paperwork that he had ignored while she was sick. He was overwhelmed with grief and concern. Why was he getting duplicate bills? Which payment went with which claim? How would he deal with the collection agencies?
Restoring Health and a Smile Through Dental Care
Peter grinds his teeth at night with such force that many of them were in danger of breaking off. His dentist said he needed four crowns or he would lose the teeth permanently, but his Medicaid dental plan would not cover them.
When the Life of One’s Child is at Stake
Timothy started feeling sick after playing soccer with his college team. At first, he thought it was the flu and went to his college infirmary. The next thing he knew is that he was being rushed to a nearby hospital. He did not know exactly what was wrong, but he knew it was serious.
The doctors at the local hospital confirmed his heart was failing and needed more critical care at a better equipped facility. With no time to waste, Timothy was taken by air ambulance to one
Restoring Hope
Scott, a 22-year-old man with developmental disabilities, is covered by Medicaid’s Aged, Blind, or Disabled program. After Scott’s mother died, his brother Martin Aladi became his legal guardian. Martin is a young man too, busy with his own life, who was laid off from his job as a security guard and is now training to be a realtor. Martin is doing a good job taking care of Scott, but it has been hard for Martin to navigate the health care system.
CHA helps Jill fight for a surgery she desperately needed—and won.
Jill H is a married, stay-at-home mother of two young children. She lives in Lockport, a small town near Buffalo. Jill has experienced jaw and dental problems for most of her life, occasionally seeking treatment when the situation would become unbearable. Jill sustained an injury during one of these surgeries, and was left with migraines, pain, and jaw pain that she thought she would have to live with for the rest of her life.
CHA helps Elizabeth reduce her medical debt
“I didn’t have health insurance, which wasn’t a problem until, suddenly, it was.”
CHA helps Jerome save money on prescriptions
At age 66, Jerome S was new to Medicare and did not realize that he would not have prescription drug coverage through Medicare Parts A and B alone. Jerome has 13 prescriptions, and his only options were to either pay out-of-pocket or to stand in line at Bellevue Hospital to drop off his prescriptions and wait 72 hours to pick up his medicine. After hearing there might be better options available, Jerome decided to call Community Health Advocates.
CHA helps Ethan get his surgery covered
After Ethan was denied medical coverage for gender transition surgery, CHA helped Ethan meet the requirements he needed for his surgery to finally be approved.
“CHA helped clarify my benefits and put my mind at ease when I was denied services.” -- Ethan
CHA helps Jo resolve issues with her insurance
Jo Young is an actress living in Manhattan. A few years ago she enrolled in Medicaid, and has continued to recertify each year through the NYSOH Marketplace. Shortly after undergoing surgery, she tried to make an appointment at her primary care doctor for monitoring, but the office informed her that her Medicaid had been discontinued. Jo was shocked and extremely worried, as she needed regular care and follow-ups, but couldn’t afford those services without insurance. After going many months without medical care, Jo decided to seek assistance from Community Health Advocates.
