Healthy Connections

We can help you file an application for state subsidized health insurance programs such as MassHealth, Commonwealth Care, Health Safety Net (see additional information below), Children’s Medical Security Plan, and Healthy Start. 

If you do not have health insurance coverage or have lost your state insurance coverage, Healthy Connections may be able to help.  We also can assist with the SNAP application, formally known as food stamps, the Women Infants and Children (WIC) program application, and Commonwealth Choice.

We act as a resource and will connect you to local community service agencies for fuel assistance, short-term financial assistance, and food pantries.  Our Financial Assistance Counselors provide free, safe, and confidential services at four different sites, located in Orleans,Harwich, Wellfleet, and Provincetown.

Healthy Connections is here to help you and your family. Click Healthy-Connections for more detailed information and a printable or downloadable guide

Healthy Connections receives partial funding from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of

Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Office of Medicaid Health Care Reform.

Considerations for Health Safety Net Patients or Low-Income Non-Residents

The Provider’s Reader’s Digest

Health Safety Net (HSN) is available to all uninsured patients living and/or working in Massachusetts regardless of immigration status who are not eligible for Commonwealth Care.  HSN is only available at community health centers and public hospitals in MA.  It is not accepted at private practices, for ambulatory care or for VNA services. Patients must apply through Healthcare Access Specialists.

FULL HSN Coverage

Full HSN covers all services provided at OCHS, except for family planning supplies.  OCHS has an agreement with Quest to write-off 100% of the lab fees for patients enrolled in Full HSN.  Radiology fees and most specialty professional fees and services at Beth Israel Deaconess can be billed through that hospital’s HSN.   A pharmacy benefit is available at the 340B Pharmacy in Wellfleet on or after July 1, 2011.

Cape Cod Hospital’s contracted physicians’ professional fees, including the ER, are NOT billable to the HSN and are the responsibility of the patient.  Facility services provided by CCH are billable to HSN through the hospital. 

PARTIAL HSN Coverage

At OCHS, patient pays $28 co-pay for our services.

At the OCHS onsite Quest labs, patient pays between 20% -80% of the full cost of labs, depending on income.  A ZZ code listed as a secondary insurance describes level of co-pay (e.g. ZZ20= patient pays 20%) or Healthcare Access Specialists can advise you on a particular patient.

At MA Hospitals, patient is subject to a deductible.  Healthcare Access Specialists or Referral staff can advise you.  Once the deductible is met, patient would become Full HSN.

Non-Resident Discount

OCHS offers an in-house discount for low-income visitors to our health centers for acute visits only.  It is only applicable to our services.  There is no discount for Quest or radiology readings.

“Free Care Pending” status means an application has been filed.  OCHS can usually accurately predict the outcome given income documentation.  Coverage is retroactive to 10 days prior to date application is filed.

Patients who have no insurance listed and indicate concerns about costs should be directed to Healthcare Access Specialists within 5 days of service to receive potential retroactive coverage.

Patient with no insurance listed may have insurance that we do not file to, but fully reimbursable and billable by Quest. 

PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT APPOINTMENT OR MEDICAL REQUESTS THROUGH THIS WEBSITE. THE WEBSITE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE CONFIDENTIAL MEDICAL ADVICE. THANK YOU.