NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — As more people go without work, the higher the chances they’ll lose their employer-sponsored health insurance.
One Middle Tennessee uninsured health company says they’ve seen an increase in patients and are here to help.
Neighborhood Health has more than 10 clinics around Nashville Davidson County serving the uninsured.
“Because in Nashville you can get help from organizations like neighborhood health; we’re here to make sure that no one goes without,” said Brian Haile.
Haile is the CEO of Neighborhood Health. He says that has always been the plan, but because of COVID-19 they’re expecting to help more people.
The Kaiser Family Foundation issued a report this month showing an estimate of 27 million people could potentially lose their health benefits through their employer as of March 1 to May 2 of 2020.
“About 59% of our patients last year were uninsured and that number is probably going to go up this year,” said Haile.
The Kaiser study also shows a portion of the same people on the brink of losing their health insurance could qualify for Medicaid or other assistance.
He says staff are learning is those who lost insurance early in the year, so many were still in their deductible period and may still have coverage.
Haile says more people are calling in and asking for help.
“We look at their options through the Obamacare marketplaces, we look at Tenncare, cover kids, to help them assess what their options are,” said Haile, “Our goal is to make sure they leave having great care and they can get the prescription filled if that’s a prescription that we write."
Haile says they’re not a free clinic and they’re able to help through donations and asking people to pay what they can.
Click here, to donate or learn more about Neighborhood Health.
