MassHealth (Medicaid)
333 Bridge St., Springfield, MA 01103
(800) 332-5545, TTY (800) 596-1276
If you lose your health insurance, you may be able to get coverage through MassHealth. Income, not assets, is used to determine your eligibility, so you will not be denied coverage because you own a home or have savings. MassHealth coverage includes prescriptions. They have several plans and eligibility rules are complicated. If you exceed their income limit, for example, you may still be eligible if you are a disabled adult working at least ten hours a week. MassHealth may place a lien on your workers comp benefits. Discuss with your attorney the ramifications of getting on MassHealth.
Medicare
Social Security Office, 1550 Main St. Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 785-0110
If you receive SSDI, you will be eligible for Medicare after two years. MassHealth may cover the costs that Medicare does not.
Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers
(800) 475-8455; www.massleague.org
If you have no health insurance, you can turn to these centers for primary and preventative health care, including dental and mental health. They also take insurance. BEWARE: Don't assume that you will not be billed because you are uninsured. Let them know you want to apply for free care.
Brightwood Health Center
380 Plainfield St., Springfield, 01107
(413) 794-4458
Mason Square Health Center
Springfield Southwest Community
Health Center
1038-50 Main St., Springfield, 01103
(413) 739-1100
Community Health Center
of Franklin County
338 Montague City Road
Turners Falls, 01376
(413) 772-3748
Worthington Health Center
Huntington Health Center
Holyoke Health Center
COBRA
Pioneer Valley Free Health Services
281 Maple St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
(413) 525-3866
Open Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
This is for the uninsured or underinsured. No appointment necessary.
Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Dental Clinic
One Armory Square
Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 781-7822
Teeth cleaning, exam and x-rays for $30.
SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of the Elderly)
Information about health insurance and prescription drug programs. Not only for the elderly.
www.healthconsult.com
A patient-oriented medical website.
Health Care for All
30 Winter St. 10th Floor, Boston, MA 02108 (800) 272-4232
Dentistry for All
www.pharmasave.com
Medical site/natural health supplement guide.
Hampshire Health Access
(413) 256-8448
This is a program for people who do not have health insurance and cannot afford medical care. It links participants with medical providers who offer services at reduced fees. The program also provides information about health care resources, including MassHealth, community health centers and prescription programs.
www.massmedboard.org
Massachusetts Board of
Registration in Medicine
560 Harrison Ave., Suite G4
Boston, 02118, MA
(617) 654-9800.
Look up information about your doctor! Search profiles of Massachusetts physicians, including their history of malpractice or discipline by a hospital or the board.
Joint Commission on Accreditation
of Healthcare Organizations
(800) 994-6610; www.jcaho.org
Office of Quality Monitoring
One Renaissance Boulevard
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Many hospitals are accredited by this commission. Contact them regarding a complaint.
www.questionabledoctors.org
A list of doctors who have been sanctioned by state medical boards.
www.coem.com
Information about chemical and environmentally triggered injuries.