This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) set in motion a national program called Ready, Set, PrEP. This initiative makes pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an HIV prevention medication, accessible to those without prescription drug insurance coverage at no cost. 

Pharmacies such as CVS Health, Walgreens, and Rite Aid have donated their dispensing services to HHS. Starting no later than March 30, 2020, qualified patients can receive the PrEP medications through mail order at no cost. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PrEP is for people who do not have HIV, but who are at high risk of getting HIV. The medication is taken once a day and contains two medicines. If someone becomes exposed to HIV through injection drug use or sex, this can work to keep the virus from establishing an infection.

PrEP cuts down the risk of contracting HIV from sex by about 99 percent when taken daily and can reduce the risk of HIV infection by at least 74 percent, according to the CDC. 

To see if you are eligible for the program, visit GetYourPrEP.com or call 855-447-8410. 

It’s important to have health insurance for routine and preventive care, as well as for those occasions when emergencies arise. According to U.S. Census data from 2017, Latinos experienced a higher uninsured rate than non-Hispanic whites — 18 percent vs. 6 percent — that included private and public health insurance options. However, the good news is that coverage for Latinos has improved significantly from just a few years prior when the uninsured rate was 28 percent in 2013.

Hispanic families tend to be larger and younger than other demographic groups, with extended families living within the same household. While Hispanics have a slightly higher life expectancy than non-Hispanics, about two years more on average for both men and women, the leading causes of their health concerns are no surprise — cancer, diabetes, obesity, liver and heart disease. It has long been known that prevention is much cheaper than treatment, so how can Latinos be encouraged to seek health care when faced with unknown costs, confusing types of coverage, and the added concern of language barriers?

Access to help in Spanish is key for many, along with receiving culturally competent service and care, like bilingual and bi-cultural providers and staff who can not only handle the basic needs, but can alleviate fears and build trust, while encouraging care and healthy practices. Right now, the unacculturated Latino community is fearful and uncomfortable, unwilling to reach out and participate in the available programs offered by partners like Maryland Health Connection.

I truly commend the many resources on hand at Maryland Health Connection, including bilingual support available online and in person. Spanish-speakers can feel comfortable asking questions one-on-one by phone, at local enrollment events, or by downloading the free mobile app, which offers a step-by-step process for gathering the items needed, choosing a plan, applying for coverage, and arranging payment. Health and dental plans are available for individuals and families. These plans can be accessed by many, and the state offers financial support, so folks pay less out of pocket.

To continue to serve the Latino market and other underserved communities, consistent outreach, with positive reinforcement and availability of resources is needed. Open enrollment is Nov. 1–Dec. 15, and Maryland Health Connection works with many community partners, especially in Latino-dense communities, to facilitate access and get people enrolled. This is wonderful and so important! Health insurance is not only a safety net, but an opportunity to improve our lives, ensuring we are healthy, both body and mind! And this goes for our kids and families too. Imagine the comfort of knowing our babies are vaccinated, well cared for and ready to take on the future.

Friends, being healthy doesn’t just happen. We need to be proactive, becoming informed and taking the steps needed to enact preventive wellness for ourselves and our families. Open enrollment is the perfect time for everyone to get started! So visit www.MarylandHealthConnection.gov or call 855-642-8572. Help is available in your language.

Guest blog written by Veronica Cool

Veronica Cool is founder and CEO of Cool & Associates, LLC, a consulting firm that connects the Hispanic and mainstream markets. In addition to being an entrepreneur and a Hispanic strategist, she is a leader in the Latino community in Maryland and her agency partners with Maryland Health Connection to help spread the word about health care enrollment in the state.

In a world full of specialists and urgent care, it’s tempting to overlook the most important piece of the health-care puzzle: a primary care doctor. So, what is a primary care physician and why is he or she so critical to taking care of your health?

The types of doctor identified as a primary care physician typically include family practice, internal medicine or general practice. Doctors who focus on children, called pediatricians, serve as the primary care physician for your child.

1) Coordinates and guides your care

If your medical situation begins to get complex, having a primary care doctor to help oversee your overall care is essential. Your doctor can provide recommendations on managing your care, help you focus on a central health plan, and refer you to a trustworthy specialist.

2) Knows you and your history

Primary care doctors often treat a wide range of conditions, so many people stay with their doctor through many stages in life. This helps the physician build a personal, long term relationship with you. Understanding your medical history can help in diagnosing future medical problems.

3) Navigates you through multiple medications

Certain medications can pose a high risk if taken improperly. Your primary care doctor can adjust, replace, or stop medications that are not appropriate for your condition. By assessing prescription drug interactions on a regular basis, your physician can prevent a trip to the emergency room. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one million people visit hospital emergency departments for adverse drug events each year in the United States.

4) Primary care doctor = Preventive care

Your doctor can help you prevent health problems by conducting tests and screenings, assisting with lifestyle changes, and administering vaccines. All Maryland Health Connection plans cover these preventive health services at no additional cost, before you pay your deductible.

5) Saves your money and your life

So, how can seeing a primary care doctor save you money? Easy! Visiting your doctor for preventive care and minor health issues means fewer emergency visits and hospital stays. According to Business Insider, an average hospital stay can cost over $10,000. With a primary care doctor overseeing your care, you can decrease your medical expenses. Early detection of health issues may save your life.

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May since 1949. According to Mental Health America, over 44 million American adults have a mental health condition. Learn how your health plan covers behavioral and mental health services. It’s important to know you can’t be denied coverage or charged more because you have a pre-existing condition, including mental and behavioral health conditions.

Know what’s covered

• Behavioral health treatment including psychotherapy and counseling
• Mental and behavioral health inpatient services
• Rehabilitative and habilitative services
• Prescription drugs
• Emergency services

Plans also cover free preventive services, including depression screenings for adults and behavioral assessments for children.

Browse plans and prices

Your specific behavioral health benefits will depend on the health plan you choose. You’ll see a full list of what each plan covers, including behavioral health benefits, when you compare plans at MarylandHealthConnection.gov.
Each plan provides a Plan Costs and Benefits guide and a Prescription Drug Search so you can review specific costs for services and medications.

Keep in mind

• You may need to get pre-approved by your insurance company before you receive services, including inpatient admission for mental illness and emotional health disorders.
• Your physician or psychologist can do this for you by completing the necessary paperwork and submitting it to your insurance company.
• For an emergency inpatient admission for treatment of a mental illness or emotional health disorder, your insurance company must make a decision on whether to pre-authorize the inpatient treatment within two hours of receiving the request.

Know your rights

• If a patient is a threat or danger to himself or others, the insurance company cannot deny the first 24 hours of an admission as long as the patient’s physician or psychologist determine it’s a medical emergency. Notify the insurance company as soon as possible.
• If you believe that the insurance company is not following the law, or it denies an emergency admission, call the Maryland Insurance Administration at 1-800-492-6116.

Get free help choosing the right plan

Maryland Health Connection has several trained experts statewide to help you for free. Visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov/help to search for an authorized health insurance broker who can provide free help choosing the best plan for your health needs.

About Maryland Health Connection

Maryland Health Connection is Maryland’s official health insurance marketplace for individuals and families to compare plans and enroll in health and dental coverage. It’s the only place to get financial help with health insurance. See if you qualify for financial help like tax credits or Medicaid/MCHP to make health insurance more affordable.

Spring is in the air and so are seasonal allergies. Looking to have a game plan for the season? We have you covered!

How do I know I have allergies?

Symptoms can vary. Here is a list of common indicators of allergies:

• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes
• Postnasal drainage
• Ear congestion

How does my health coverage help me treat my allergies?

Pollen, bee stings, mold, and grass are prevalent this time of year. Your Maryland Health Connection plan can help keep your allergy symptoms at bay. It covers:

• Doctor visits
• Hospitalization
• Emergency care
• Pediatric care
• Prescription drugs
• Laboratory tests

Plans also cover preventive care at no additional cost.

Plans through Maryland Health Connection cover services like checkups, shots, and screenings at no extra cost, even if you haven’t met your yearly deductible. If your allergy symptoms persist and you need to find a doctor who takes your coverage, call the doctor’s office and visit Maryland Health Connection’s provider directory for more information.