NewVue Helps Connect Residents with Health Insurance Coverage

Hoping to fill a need in the community by helping residents gain better access to health insurance, NewVue Communities has partnered with the Massachusetts Health Connector to provide a new service in downtown Fitchburg.

Every other Thursday, a community specialist from the Health Connector is available to meet with residents to discuss their health insurance needs at NewVue’s office on Main Street.

Whether they have questions about coverage, cost or just need assistance applying, help is now available in our local community.

“Registering for health insurance in our region is a big need,’’ said Francisco Ramos, Newvue’s director of community organizing. “We have a significant number of immigrant families arriving in our region who do not know that they have benefits, and once they learn that in Massachusetts everyone has a right to health insurance, they don’t know where to go to sign up.’’

Francisco said there are only a handful of Certified Application Counselors (CACs) in our region and they are not always easy to find or convenient for local residents.

“Because of that, we have been advocating for more CACs and the opportunity to work with the Massachusetts Health Connector was a perfect opportunity,’’ Francisco said.

The Health Connector’s bilingual specialist is at NewVue’s office every other Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to answer questions and review affordable coverage options either through MassHealth or the Health Connector. No appointment necessary.

The Massachusetts Health Connector is the Commonwealth’s health insurance Marketplace, and currently serves more than 390,000 individuals and small-employer members with health and dental insurance. Through the ConnectorCare program, income-qualifying residents can access coverage that includes low-cost premiums and co-pays, and no deductibles.