Outreach and Enrollment Goes beyond insurance assistance

Honesdale, PA (August 15, 2023) — While helping patients find affordable healthcare remains a focus for Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC) Outreach and Enrollment Coordinators, the role of these professionals has expanded to now address various Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) including food and housing insecurity, transportation access and prescription assistance.

WMCHC’s Outreach Enrollment office was originally established in 2013 as a lifeline to navigate the healthcare marketplace amid mandates by the Affordable Care Act. As changes to the healthcare reform law were implemented, WMCHC’s coordinators adapted and increased the “outreach” facet of services offered. Both current staffers, in addition to their experience with insurance assistance, are also Certified Community Health Workers (CCHW).

“As an organization committed to accessible, quality-driven care we recognize that lack of proper resources may affect a patient’s health,” stated Kara Poremba, MSHA, BSN, RN, chief quality officer, WMCHC. “Working one-on-one with a coordinator is beneficial for individuals struggling to eliminate socio-economic barriers.”

Patients are either referred from within WMCHC’s network of providers or may contact the Outreach and Enrollment office directly at 570-251-6554 or 570-251-6569. Assistance such as applying or reapplying for Pennie, Medicaid, Medicare Savings / Part D Extra Help or connecting with community resources including county transportation offices, housing departments and utility assistance programs through PPL and UGI are offered free of charge. Affordable healthcare options specifically for WMCHC patients – sliding fee scale and 340B drug program – are also explained by coordinators. Appointments are recommended.

The office’s most recent endeavor, addressing food insecurity, has been a success according to staff.  Its Pop Up Pantry, a collaboration with the Wayne County Food Pantry, currently serves an estimated “60 participants and has been growing” since launching in May. There are no income requirements or guidelines to receive a food box.

To learn more about all the services offered through WMCHC Outreach and Enrollment or a list of days and hours for the Pop Up Pantry, visit www.wmh.org/outreach-and-enrollment.

Photo:  Rebecca Mead, CCHW and Kyle Davis, CCHW – both Outreach and Enrollment Coordinators for WMCHC – are shown working from office located at 630 Park Street, Honesdale. They assist patients across Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna and Lackawanna counties with a range of resources from submitting Medicaid applications to battling food insecurity.