For many in the community, this marks the first time they'll have medical coverage
Four years ago, the launch of the Jordan and Harris Community Health Center introduced on-site health care services, dramatically changing the health outlook for a community of 3,000 public housing residents in Newark’s Ironbound section.
On Feb. 12, center leaders, accompanied by U.S. Health and Human Services staff, took another life-altering step: They joined certified application counselors to help residents of the Hyatt Court, Pennington Court and Terrell Homes public housing facilities served by the center enroll in health insurance through the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace. For many, it marks the first time they’ve had health insurance.
“This is huge,” said Cindy Sickora, associate professor and director of community health programs for Rutgers School of Nursing. “Having health insurance opens a whole new world to this community. Imagine, for the first time, having the opportunity, as more fortunate individuals have always had, to choose a provider and to receive health care before you become chronically ill.”
Sickora, founder of the Jordan and Harris center, explained that noninsured individuals have been reluctant to seek treatment from a specialist because of their inability to pay, visiting emergency rooms instead. “This empowerment piece is most critical for this population,” she said.
Samuel Boynes, 55, one of those enrolled at the session, described his recent health care as a combination of mobile health care vans, emergency room visits and charity care."I have lots of things I'll want to get checked out when I am covered to see a doctor,” he said, noting a low heart rate, dental problems and frequent fatigue.
Another enrollee, Jennifer Rodrigues, 36, said, "I've had horrible pains in my feet. I can't even get them checked out without a big bill." She added, "I have no job now. I am hoping that improved health will help me get one."
Approximately 50 residents attended the enrollment session, with 20 enrolling and others initiating the process.
Jordan and Harris leaders partnered with Health and Human Services to encourage signing up before the March 31 current open enrollment deadline. The next open enrollment period for 2014 coverage begins Nov. 15, 2014.
“We particularly appreciate Rutgers' collaboration in the City of Newark, which has one of the highest populations of uninsureds in the state," said Jaime Torres, a director, Region II, Health and Human Services. "Today's enrollment event is a great example of how HHS's partnership with Rutgers is making a difference for the uninsured throughout Newark and New Jersey." The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey also supported the event.
More than 6 million Americans have either enrolled for private health insurance or for Medicaid through the insurance marketplace, according to HHS. An additional 3 million adults under age 26 automatically qualified for coverage when their parents enrolled. In New Jersey, approximately 55,000 people have enrolled in a private plan, a rate consistent with other states that offer enrollment through a federally facilitated marketplace. HHS anticipates that number to climb to 96,000 by March 31.
The Jordan and Harris Community Health Center was founded in 2010. A registered nurse and team of community health workers are on site at the three public housing locations. The nurse is responsible for individual, family and community assessment, case management, health education, health promotion and referrals.