Frequently Asked Questions
Questions received at llaflin@fchn.org may be posted below.
Medical, Dental and Eye Care Assistance
FAQs > Medical, Dental and Eye Care Assistance > Question
Q: How can I get help paying for health care received through the Franklin Community Health Network?
The Franklin Community Health Network has many programs to help individuals within the Greater Franklin County area. Financial Counselors can advise you on what program is best for you. It is your responsibility to apply for all available help and to be honest with FCHN about your financial situation. Although FCHN has limited funds to cover unpaid health care costs, FCHN will do everything to help you pay for care received within the network. Our Financial Counselors can advise you on what program is the best for you.
Phone: (207) 779-2396 or 1-800-398-6031, 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington. Website: http://www.fchn.org.
Local Programs:
Franklin Health Access: Franklin Health Access helps uninsured and underinsured people in our community receive health care services. Local doctors and providers in the area donate their services at a reduced rate for this program. Franklin Health Access also reimburses a portion of prescription drug costs. People may qualify on a sliding scale up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. People who wish to participate in this program must be legal residents of the Greater Franklin County area. Most local health care services are covered and Franklin Health Access also offers help connecting people with other community resources. Enrollees are assigned a personal health advocate and get a free comprehensive, health risk screening. Phone: (207) 779-2272 or 1-888-952-2272, Rt. 2 East Wilton, 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington. Website: http://www.fchn.org/fchn/healthaccess/.
FranklinCares: FranklinCares provides medical services for people without health insurance. The program covers services at Franklin Memorial Hospital, Pine Tree Medical Associates (Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Pediatrics, Orthopedics and Women’s Care), Evergreen Behavioral Services, NorthStar Emergency Medical Services, Insight Imaging Services, and other network services. FranklinCares provides health care services for specific treatments, and you must apply each time you need services for a new treatment plan. People up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify and will pay a portion of their bill depending on their income. Phone: (207) 779-2396 or 1-800-398-6031, 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington.
Contract for Care: After you apply for Franklin Health Access and FranklinCares, you can use Contract for Care to help pay the portion of the bill you must pay. Within the Contract for Care program, a patient or representative of that patient agrees to do an available project, and Franklin Community Health Network voluntarily reduces to zero the portion of the bill the patient pays. People could make quilts for the hospital to hang on the wall, garden with community members in the Hope Harvest Garden, volunteer in the gift shop, donate paintings, or build birdhouses for the hospital forest. No one knows who is a Contract for Care participant and who is not. The Franklin Community Health Network will find a way for everyone to participate. Contract for Care is totally voluntary and is for people with an annual income that is up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Phone: (207) 779-2396 or 1-800-398-6031, 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington.
Government Programs:
DirigoChoice: DirigoChoice is health care coverage designed to give small businesses, the self-employed, and individuals an affordable, high-quality option for health coverage. If interested, small business owners choose to purchase DirigoChoice for their employees and usually pay part or all of the premium for each employee. The state also subsidizes costs for low-income workers. If you are self-employed, or if your business does not offer you health insurance, then you can also apply for DirigoChoice on your own. Most health care services are covered, including 100% coverage for preventative services such as mammograms and annual physicals. Phone: 1-800-547-4251, State of Maine and Anthem 53 State House Station, Augusta, Website: http://www.dirigohealth.maine.gov.
Medicare: Medicare is the national health program for people age 65 or older, some people under age 65 with disabilities, and others. Most people 65 or older are eligible for Medicare hospital insurance based on their own – or their spouse’s-employment. Before age 65, you are eligible for Medicare hospital insurance if you have received Social Security disability benefits for the last 24 months. People can choose from several different Medicare health plans. Medicare Plan A covers hospital services and Plan B covers physician services. Medicare specialists can help you pick the right plan for you. Phone: 1-800-772-1213, Social Security Administration, 1 Great Falls Plaza, Auburn. SeniorsPlus in Wilton is also a helpful resource for questions about Medicare. Contact: Phone: (207) 645-3315 or 1-888-234-3921, 251 U.S. Rt. 2, Wilton. Hours: Monday-Friday 8-3 p.m.
MaineCare: MaineCare is low-cost or free health insurance provided by the State for many low-income individuals and families. It covers many different people, including families with children 18 years old and younger, pregnant women, individuals under 21 years old not living at home, the elderly (65 years or older), and individuals with special needs aged 21-65. MaineCare was formerly known as Medicaid and Cub Care. Eligiblity is based on household income. The program covers most health care services and provides some prescription drug help. Phone: (207) 778-8400 or 1-800-442-6382, 114 Corn Shop Lane, Farmington, Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m.
