Barry-Eaton Health Connections

1-800-553-2565
A service of the Barry-Eaton District Health Department

Addressing the health care needs of uninsured individuals has become a local, state and national crisis. It is estimated that in Barry and Eaton counties alone, more than 6,000 low-income residents have no form of medical insurance, and that number is expected to grow. The uninsured tend to miss out on preventive care and end up in hospital emergency departments for problems that could have been avoided or treated in a less expensive environment. This burden challenges urgent health care providers and drives up health care costs for everyone. To respond to this dilemma, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department, in conjunction with the Barry-Eaton Health Plan, is launching Barry-Eaton Health Connections. By providing routine access to preventive and primary care, Barry-Eaton Health Connections will help control health care costs and improve the overall health of Barry and Eaton counties.

What is Barry-Eaton Health Connections?

Barry-Eaton Health Connections is a new community-based primary care clinic for residents of Barry and Eaton counties who do not have health coverage and meet income guidelines. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department will operate the clinic with support from the Barry-Eaton Health Plan. They will coordinate their efforts with local hospitals and health care providers throughout the area.

What do they provide?

The primary goal of the clinic is to make basic preventive and primary care available to those without health insurance. A team of nurse practitioners, a medical assistant, a supervising physician, and administrative support staff will provide the health services. The clinic will be available for scheduled appointments two and a half days a week in each Health Department office (Charlotte and Hastings). Services include:

	Primary care visits.
	Limited diagnostic services, such as outpatient lab and x-rays.
	Limited prescription coverage.

Who is eligible?

The clinic will initially have the capacity to serve about 1,000 low-income residents of Barry and Eaton counties. Applicants must:

Meet certain income requirements;

Be a resident of Barry or Eaton county;

Call-in prior to visiting the clinic to get enrolled in the program;

Have no health care coverage; and

Be an adult between the ages of 19-64 (children and seniors would most likely qualify for Medicaid or Medicare coverage and would be referred to the appropriate program).

How much does the patient pay?

Patients will be responsible for:

$10 co-pay per office visit; and

$5-10 co-pay for prescription medication.

How can I find out more?

Call Barry-Eaton Health Connections at 1-800-553-2565

	Meet certain income requirements;
	Be a resident of Barry or Eaton county;
	Call-in prior to visiting the clinic to get enrolled in the program;
	Have no health care coverage; and
	Be an adult between the ages of 19-64 (children and seniors would most likely qualify for Medicaid or Medicare coverage and would be referred to the appropriate program).

	$10 co-pay per office visit; and
	$5-10 co-pay for prescription medication.