Helping Neighbors Navigate Health Insurance

SVDP expands hours for its Health Insurance Navigator, as thousands could lose coverage this spring

As COVID-era rules expire this spring, nearly 200,000 Ohioans could lose health care coverage through Medicaid. During the federally-instated Public Health Emergency, states were required to keep people continuously enrolled in Medicaid, the nation’s public health insurance program for low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly individuals and people with disabilities. That rule ended March 31, allowing Ohio to resume its normal eligibility operations.

During this process, called Medicaid unwinding, Ohio Jobs and Family Services is asking all Medicaid recipients to take action, including updating their information and responding to renewal packets sent in the mail. Recipients who do not do so could run the risk of losing coverage, even if they still meet all eligibility criteria.

It’s a challenge that Beverly Ramsey, SVDP’s Health Insurance Navigator, has been keeping a close eye on over the past few months. “If neighbors don’t know about it, during their next visit to the doctor or pharmacy, they could find out their insurance is no longer valid.”

Ramsey joined SVDP in 2021, thanks to a generous partnership with the Charitable Healthcare Network (CHN), a statewide organization dedicated to providing resources, education and advocacy to strengthen and ensure high quality health care for vulnerable people. Ramsey works one-on-one with neighbors at SVDP’s Neyer Outreach Center but receives training and funding from CHN, along with other navigators serving across the state.

“{CHN Executive Director Jason Koma} tells us our purpose is to make a difference in peoples’ lives, and it’s true.” Ramsey says.

While health insurance navigators can help with either marketplace or state-run insurance, Ramsey says her role at SVDP is unique in that most of the neighbors she works with are either uninsured or are enrolled in Medicare but have special circumstances that require extra assistance. In coordination with the SVDP Charitable Pharmacy, where 51% of patients served are uninsured, Ramsey works with neighbors to help identify and address the barriers they are experiencing to the care they need.

“{Before coming to SVDP}, many neighbors may have given up or have accepted that they’ll always have medical bills. By the time they come to the Charitable Pharmacy, that’s when they start asking questions,” Ramsey says.

The best part of her job, Ramsey says, is helping neighbors to relieve their stress around health care. “I try to encourage them, now you can go to the doctor. Now, you can go to the dentist. Because, without insurance, that can be a big worry.”

With the changes for Medicaid recipients this spring, hours for SVDP’s Health Insurance Navigation services are being expanded from three to four days per week. Neighbors are encouraged to call ahead at 513-345-4997 to make an appointment, but some walk-in appointments are available.

The SVDP Charitable Pharmacy is ready to help neighbors who may experience a critical need for their prescription medications or primary care services due to losing Medicaid coverage. New patients should call our Patient Advocates at 513-562-8841 ext. 223 to get started.