Legal Services Groups Announce New Resource for Health Advocates

January 21, 2010

Author: Catherine M. Callery (Kate) | Louise M. Tarantino

The Empire Justice Center, The Legal Aid Society, and Selfhelp Community Services are excited to announce the launching of a new website called New York Health Access designed for New York State health advocates, caregivers, and consumers.  The website provides articles, guides and training materials on access to health care services and health insurance programs for low-income New Yorkers.

As the economy continues to struggle, the website will be a valuable resource for information about alternatives for New Yorkers who lose health benefits or are no longer able to afford them. Postings include:

• information on eligibility, enrollment, retention and navigation of New York State's public health insurance programs - Medicaid, Family Health Plus and Child Health Plus;
• information on programs targeted to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities who need assistance accessing Medicaid benefits or paying for and supplementing Medicare benefits; and
• information and resources for uninsured, underinsured and other individuals facing medical debt.

New York Health Access is a statewide collaboration made possible in part by grants from the New York State Office for the Aging and the New York Community Trust. The website is hosted by the Western New York Law Center and can be found at: http://nyhealthaccess.org/