Tips for Picking a Health Plan

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Choosing the right health plan can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation can make the process much easier. Whether you’re updating your insurance during open enrollment, experiencing a life-changing event, or just needing to better understand your current plan, use these tips to find a plan that fits your family’s health needs and budget.

Look at Your Needs

Think about how much you went to the doctor last year or if your family’s situation has changed.

Learn Key Words

  • Deductible: How much you pay before your insurance starts helping.
  • Copay: A set amount you pay when you see a doctor.
  • Coinsurance: The percent you pay after your deductible.
  • Out-of-pocket maximum: The most you’ll pay in a year for covered care.
  • Preventive care: Routine services like wellness visits, screenings, and vaccinations to prevent illnesses or catch them early. These services usually do not cost anything out of pocket as long as you use an in-network provider and get any required referrals.

Check Your Doctors and Medicine

Make sure your doctors and prescriptions are covered by your plan.

Learn About Health Accounts

Some plans have savings accounts (like HSA or FSA) to help pay for medical costs.

Compare Carefully

Don’t just look at the monthly price. Check what each plan covers and what you’ll pay when you get care.

Know What Your Job Offers

If your employer gives you money for an HSA or helps pay for your plan, that can save you money.

Let NOAH Help

Only you can pick the plan that’s right for your family’s needs. However, we can help make sure the plan you choose will cover your services at NOAH. Call us at 480-882-4545 to verify accepted plans.

Understanding Open Enrollment

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Open enrollment is a time each year when people can sign up for or change their health insurance plans. Knowing when it happens and what your options are can help you get the coverage you need. The most common types of health insurance are Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace, and employer plans.

Medicaid

Medicaid, or AHCCCS in Arizona, is free or low-cost health insurance from the state. There is no open enrollment period, you can apply any time of the year. To qualify, you must meet certain rules about how much money you make, how big your family is, or if you have a disability.

Medicare

Medicare is a federal health plan mainly for people 65 and older. Some younger people can also get it if they have certain illnesses or disabilities. Open enrollment for Medicare is from October 15 to December 7 each year.

There are different parts of Medicare:

  • Part A helps pay for hospital care.
  • Part B helps pay for doctor visits.
  • Part D helps pay for medicine.
  • Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a plan that combines A, B, and D in one option.

People still pay some costs like monthly fees or copays and also have an opportunity to purchase extra insurance for more coverage.

Marketplace

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace has many plans you can choose from. You can sign up or make changes between November 1 and January 15. Some people can get help paying for their insurance through tax credits that lower their monthly costs.

Right now, there are talks in Congress about whether to keep extra tax credits that make plans cheaper. If those go away, plans could cost more in 2026. Even so, people should still sign up for coverage and update their plans later if the rules change.

Employer-Sponsored Plans

Some people get health insurance through their jobs. The company usually pays part of the cost. Open enrollment for work plans is often in the fall, but the dates depend on the employer.

Special Enrollment Period

Sometimes you can sign up for health insurance outside of open enrollment. This happens if something big changes in your life like losing your job, moving, getting married, or having a baby. Usually, you have 60 days after the event to enroll.

Getting Started

If you aren’t sure what types of insurance you qualify for, check out Health-e-Arizona Plus or schedule an appointment with NOAH’s Community Resources team. Our team can also help you apply for assistance programs if you have lost your coverage or can no longer afford health insurance. For help with choosing a plan that’s right for you, visit Tips for Picking a Health Plan.

Your Guide to a Great School Year

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The beginning of the school year is often a fresh start for kids. Here are a few tips for success as you approach the first few weeks of the new school year.

Well-child Appointments

Well-child checks are crucial for healthy development among children. Make sure your child has their well-child appointment before school starts or at least within the first 30 days. The beginning of the school year is a good time to bench mark your child’s development both physically and mentally. It’s also a great opportunity to discuss any concerns about the new school year with your provider.

Schedule a Sports Physical

If your child is playing sports at all this school year, they will likely need a sports physical. Most school districts provide a specific form that needs to be completed and signed off on by your child’s medical provider. Save time and check off two things on your list by scheduling your child’s sports physical and well-child check together. NOAH’s scheduling team is also happy to assist with booking a block of time for multiple children if schedules allow.

Make Sure Immunizations Are Up to Date

Schools require immunizations and they keep your child and their classmates protected from unnecessary, dangerous, and sometimes fatal diseases. Your child’s medical provider will address any needed vaccines during their well-child check. Preview recommended vaccines here in advance.

Start a Good Sleep Routine

Kids need enough sleep to develop, do well in school, and keep up with home life too. Most children need between 9-12 hours of sleep each night. It’s easy to get off schedule during summer so try to start your back to school routine at least a couple of days early to establish good sleep habits early on in the school year.

Be Physically Fit

Kids need at least one hour of exercise every day. Make sure they get enough activity whether it is walking, swimming, or playing school sports.

Get School Supplies Ready

Start the school year with a sturdy backpack loaded with plenty of supplies like notebooks, folders, pens, and pencils, etc. Opt for a backpack with a water bottle pocket to ensure your child stays hydrated throughout the day.

Talk About Bullying

Make sure your child knows about the seriousness of bullying. It can hurt people emotionally and mentally and can harm their learning. If your child is being bullied or sees another student bullied, make sure they know to tell a bully to “Stop!” and to talk to a trusted adult (teacher, counselor, nurse) at school. For bullying, depression, or other behavioral health concerns for ages 6 and up, consider meeting with a NOAH counselor.

NOAH is here to help you with every stage of the school year and beyond. For a complete list of services, visit our website or call 480-882-4545.

Time to get Ready for School!

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The 2024-2025 school year is just around the corner and the back-to-school feeling is nice to have back. As kids everywhere begin to get ready for the year, here are ways to make sure the start of the school year is a healthy and safe one.

Well-child Appointments
Well-child checks or well-child visits are crucial for healthy development among children. Make sure your child has their well-child appointment before school starts!

Schedule a Sports Physical
If your child is playing any sport this fall or spring, it’s a good time to get them a physical before the season gets into full swing.

Make Sure Immunizations Are Up to Date
Schools require immunizations and they keep your child and their classmates protected from unnecessary, dangerous, and sometimes fatal diseases. Take a look at the CDC list of childhood vaccines.

Start a Good Sleep Routine
Kids need enough sleep to develop and do well in school and everything else. Most children need between 9-12 hours of sleep each night, so start a routine now and keep it up!

Be Physically Fit
Kids need at least one hour of exercise every day. Make sure they get enough activity whether it is walking, swimming, playing soccer or basketball, dancing, or something else.

Get School Supplies Ready
Start the school year with a sturdy backpack. Make sure your student has whatever supplies, like notebooks, folders, pens, and pencils, etc. to start the year successfully.

Talk About Bullying
Make sure your child knows about the seriousness of bullying. It can hurt people emotionally and mentally and can harm their learning. If your child is being bullied or sees another student bullied, make sure they know to tell a bully to “Stop!” and to talk to a trusted adult (teacher, counselor, nurse) at school.

Ready to start this school year and get your student in for their back-to-school medical appointments? NOAH pediatricians, counselors, nutritionists, and community resource specialists can help your student and family head into the year with everything you need for success. Make an appointment today!

Understanding AHCCCS and KidsCare

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Access to healthcare is a fundamental right, yet navigating healthcare systems can often be stressful and overwhelming. Luckily, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and KidsCare programs were designed to provide healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families. Whether you’re new to AHCCCS/KidsCare or seeking a deeper understanding of its services, NOAH is here to provide you with a starting point on everything you need to know.

What Is AHCCCS?

AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid program, designed to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to individuals and families who meet certain eligibility criteria. Established in 1982, AHCCCS is jointly funded by the federal and state governments and administered by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System Administration.

Who Is Eligible for AHCCCS?

Eligibility for AHCCCS is primarily based on income and other factors such as age, functional differences, and family size. Eligible individuals include but not limited to:

  • Low-income families with children
  • Pregnant women
  • Seniors
  • Individuals with varied abilities
  • Women who want screening for breast or cervical cancer

It’s important to note that eligibility criteria may vary, and applicants should check with AHCCCS or NOAH’s community resource specialists for the most accurate information.

What Services Does AHCCCS Cover?

AHCCCS provides a wide range of healthcare services, including but not limited to:

  • Doctor visits
  • Hospital services
  • Prescription medications (not covered if you have Medicare)
  • Lab and X-rays
  • Behavioral health services
  • Dental treatment (for children under age 21)
  • Vision exams (for children under age 21)
  • Transportation to medical appointments
  • Immunizations

Choosing a Health Plan

Once enrolled in AHCCCS, individuals are required to choose a health plan from a list of care organizations. These health plans vary in terms of covered services, provider networks, and benefits.

How Much Does AHCCCS Cost?

While AHCCCS provides coverage for most healthcare services, some services may require copayments. Copay amounts range from $0 to $30 depending on the type of service. Some people and certain services are exempt from copayments which means that no mandatory or optional copayments will be charged.

KidsCare

What Is KidsCare?

KidsCare is designed to help families who earn too much for AHCCCS (Medicaid) yet earn too little to afford to pay for health insurance for their children.

Who Is Eligible for KidsCare?

In general, an applicant may qualify if they are:

  • Under the age of 19
  • A U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant
  • An Arizona resident
  • Under the income limit
  • Not eligible for AHCCCS coverage
  • Not currently covered by other health insurance

What Services Does KidsCare Cover?

For those that meet the eligibility requirements, KidsCare covers healthcare services including but not limited to:

  • Doctor visits
  • Immunizations
  • Hospital services
  • Emergency room care
  • Lab and X-rays
  • Prescription medications
  • Dental treatment
  • Vision care

How Much Does KidsCare Cost?

KidsCare will cost no more than $50 a month for one child or no more than $70 a month no matter how many children are in the household. The amount a family pays depends on their income and number of children. 

What Is the Difference Between AHCCCS and KidsCare?

KidsCare specifically targets children, while AHCCCS serves a wider population including children, pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with varied abilities. Additionally, the benefits and services covered may vary between KidsCare and AHCCCS due to differences in program design and guidelines.

How Do I Know If I Qualify for AHCCCS or KidsCare?

Deciding on the right program can be overwhelming, which is why NOAH’s community resource specialists are here to help. Schedule an appointment so our specialists can help you apply for AHCCCS, KidsCare, and notify you of any other services that might be available to you. 

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Once you’ve set up a meeting with a NOAH community resource specialist, make sure you bring these documents with you to your appointment. If you’re missing any, don’t worry, our specialists can still help you.

ACA Open Enrollment is Here!

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Having health insurance is one of the best ways to take care of yourself and your family. Whether it’s through an employer, the Health Insurance Marketplace, or a public program like AHCCCS, there are options available to fit your lifestyle. Knowing the best plan for you and your family is important and NOAH is here to help during Open Enrollment.

With open enrollment you can enroll in a health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace anytime from Nov. 1 to Jan. 16. NOAH Community Resource Specialists can provide you with information about several different options and can help you complete paperwork to see what you qualify for.

The Health Insurance Marketplace

Often referred to as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace or Obamacare, the Health Insurance Marketplace helps more Americans have access to health insurance. If you aren’t covered under an employee plan or don’t qualify for Medicaid/AHCCCS, you can get insurance through the Marketplace. In Arizona, there are several different providers to pick from, and different plans to fit your healthcare needs and finances. NOAH’s Certified Application Counselors are available to help you understand your options and help with your enrollment in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan.

For health insurance coverage through the Marketplace, the enrollment deadline is January 16, 2024.

Other Health Insurance Options

  • Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) – AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid program. There are free and low-cost plans available for individuals and families. To qualify, you need to meet income requirements and be an Arizona resident. AHCCCS is open for enrollment year-round but does need to be renewed annually.
  • KidsCare – If parents are covered under an employer insurance, but kids are not, the KidsCare program can help! KidsCare, often referred to as CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) is offered through AHCCCS and is available for Arizona children under age 19 who meet the income requirement. Like AHCCCS, this health insurance is also open for enrollment year-round. If your family already qualifies for AHCCCS, you don’t need to worry about the separate KidsCare coverage for your children.

If you’ve recently received a letter reminding of your recertification date for AHCCCS or KidsCare, or have had changes to work, income or other health coverage, NOAH Community Resources Specialists can help with your AHCCCS eligibility and enrollment.

Enrolling in an ACA Plan During Open Enrollment

Health insurance can be complicated. Whether you are enrolling in the Health Insurance Marketplace for the first time, are renewing your AHCCCS plan, or have changes to your policy, it is nice to have support along the way. NOAH has trained, certified team members here to help you with 2024 Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment. To schedule an appointment call 480-882-4545, or fill out the form here and select “Community Resources – Eligibility” under Type of Appointment. 

Time to Re-Enroll!

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DON’T LOSE COVERAGE!

Changes to AHCCCS and KidsCare Renewals
1 in 4 People Currently Enrolled Will Lose Coverage
We Can Help!

What is Happening?

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government required state Medicaid programs like AHCCCS and KidsCare to automatically renew, even if a member’s eligibility changed. Effective April 1, renewals have reverted to the process in place prior to the Public Health Emergency which means eligibility no longer automatically renews as it used to. 

Who Does This Affect?

More than 600,000 members will lose coverage because they are no longer eligible (due to income or other requirements) or have not responded to AHCCCS requests for information.

How Do I Get Healthcare Coverage if I am No Longer Eligible for Medicaid?

Members who are no longer eligible for Medicaid will be referred to the Healthcare Marketplace for coverage options. Losing Medicaid coverage is considered a qualifying event and the Healthcare Marketplace will accept new enrollments through July 2024.

What Do I Need to Do?

  1. Update your contact information. If AHCCCS can’t reach you, you may be dropped even if you are still eligible.
  2. Check your mailbox for renewal information.
  3. Respond within 30 days to any requests from AHCCCS.
  4. Schedule an appointment with NOAH Community Resources for help 602-562-3448.
Request an Appointment

NEWS: NOAH Celebrates Emerging Leader Dora Correal

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NOAH is thrilled to share that one of our own dedicated and caring team members, Dora Correal, Director of Community Access, received the Emerging Leader Award from the Geiger Gibson Program in Community Health Policy.

This national award honors young, emerging leaders within community and farmworker health centers who have made a career in the health center family and personify the enduring strength of health centers.

Dora joined NOAH in 2015 as an Eligibility Specialist, where she quickly established herself as a subject matter expert in government assistance programs and customer service. She has led the growth of our Community Resource Department as the first Supervisor, Manager, and now Director of that department. It has been through her leadership that a four-member team providing application assistance has grown to a 30-person team helping our patients and organization with crucial functions for our mission.

“Dora inspires and motivates us to keep finding innovative ways to help and serve our patients, NOAH team members, and community,” said Julia Nierad, NOAH CFO. “Leading with compassion and empathy, she is a champion for ensuring our community obtains access to resources in an efficient, dignified, and friendly manner. We are so grateful to have her passion and dedication on our team as we continue to address community need, particularly for those severely impacted by the pandemic.”


Dora inspires and motivates us to keep finding innovative ways to help and serve our patients, NOAH team members, and community. 

Compassion, empathy, and strength are how Dora leads her team to deliver for NOAH patients every day. She sees opportunities and finds ways for the Community Resource Department to help bridge gaps for patients, the community, and for NOAH’s own team.

“The Emerging Leaders selected each year represent the future of health centers. The policy and program champions, clinicians, health educators, and clinic administrators recognized each year truly will become the next generation of senior leaders.” – Feygele Jacobs, President, and CEO of the RCHN Community Health Foundation

Emerging leaders like Dora are celebrated for the work they do to help further the mission of healthcare and better health for medically overlooked patients, communities, and special populations.

The future of NOAH and community health centers looks bright with leaders like Dora sharing their talents and passion with organizations serving the medically overlooked populations. Congratulations, Dora!

Learn more about the Geiger Gibson Program in Community Health Policy Emerging Leader Award here.

Support NOAH’s Mission and Community Impact

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NOAH impacts 45,000 lives every year and each one of those lives is a story of hope, compassion, and community. Donations from the community directly support NOAH’s mission.

When Theresa came into a NOAH clinic without an appointment this summer, she asked about just one concern: her blood pressure. NOAH gets patients the care they need, so even though the schedules were full that day, Theresa saw a provider.

During Theresa’s appointment, the doctor noticed and asked about other medical issues that had clearly been a big issue for a long time. Theresa explained that she had been to other health centers and community clinics, but none of them took the issues seriously or discuss treatments. And they were serious issues.

NOAH treats the whole patient because health and wellness are so much more than symptoms on a list.

That day her doctor also learned that Theresa was struggling with housing, food, and that she was the guardian of her younger sister with developmental delays. Theresa was facing a lot, but luckily, she was at NOAH. NOAH’s community resource team helped her get housing, food resources, and transportation to get to further medical appointments.

Her NOAH doctor took the time to build trust, allowing Theresa to get further tests, treatments, and referrals for specialists to address her health issues with the same care and compassion as NOAH.

Theresa had a voice in her treatment at NOAH, and was treated with care, patience, and respect. Theresa’s future is much brighter because she walked into NOAH that summer day.

This is just one patient. Support NOAH’s comprehensive care, which includes medical care, mental health services, virtual healthcare options, and community resources to allow patients to take care of their health, their families, and themselves.

Donations to NOAH qualify for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. This is a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. To learn more about how this works, visit here: https://noahhelps.org/tax-credit/

Heat Safety: Staying Safe in Arizona’s Extreme Heat

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Summer in Central Arizona is always hot. Always! Even “normal” summer temperatures in Phoenix are dangerous. Then we get a few days or weeks of extreme heat that can be even worse. Know the risks with heat safety, understand the signs of heat illness, and be prepared.

Risks for Extreme Heat

We might be used to high temperatures here in Phoenix, but above 110, 115, or higher are serious. And, when we have more humidity – before or after summer rains usually – it can make the heat much worse. Knowing about heat safety is important year round in Central Arizona.

Everyone can get sick when the temperature and/or humidity go above normal. But some groups are in more danger of getting sick, including people who are:

  • Pregnant
  • Infants or young children
  • Older adults
  • Living with chronic medical conditions or on certain medications

Signs of Heat Illness

There are different levels of heat illness and knowing the symptoms can help a person recover and may even save their life.

  • Heat rash – red cluster of pimples or small blisters around the neck and chest areas typically. Get the person to a cool, shady place and keep the rash dry.
  • Heat cramps – muscle cramps, pain, or spasms in the legs, arms, or stomach. Drink water and eat something but avoid salt.
  • Heat syncope – dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting. The person should sit down and slowly sip water or clear juice.
  • Heat exhaustion – is when your body has a serious loss of water and salt, and the person has a headache, nausea, heavy sweating, dizziness, or weakness. Remove the person from the heat, remove unnecessary clothing, give them liquids, put cool compresses on head and neck, and go to a doctor or hospital.
  • Heat stroke – the most serious illness and can cause death if not treated quickly. The person may have a seizure, be confused, have a very high body temperature, may sweat a lot or have hot dry skin. Call 9-1-1 immediately and begin trying to cool the person down with an ice bath (best action), cool compresses on head and neck, soak clothing with cold water, and use a fan to keep air moving around them.

Prepare for the Heat

It comes every year, so we should all be prepared for the heat. Starting as early as May and going through October, temperatures and humidity can get uncomfortable or dangerous and heat safety is even more important.

First, never ever leave any person or pet in a car. In Arizona, even in cooler weather, cars can get dangerously hot quickly. Never leave anyone or any pet in a car.

Next, limit outdoor activities and exercises if possible. People make the mistake of thinking because they (or their pets) have hiked, run, walked, etc. during hot weather before, that they are somehow immune to the dangers with sometimes devastating results. If you must do activities outside or work outdoors, avoid the hottest part of the day, try to avoid days with extreme temperatures, leave pets at home, seek as much shade as possible, and be sure to take plenty of cold water, a charged phone, and wear appropriate clothing.

Lastly, check on older family, friends, and neighbors. When older people have mobility issues or live alone, the risks can be even worse. Call or better, visit them in person to make sure they are safe.

If keeping the power on is a concern, NOAH’s Community Resource Team may be able to help find utility assistance or other types of help. Also, most power companies in Arizona cannot shut off power from June 1 – October 15 for late payments. So even if you, or someone you know like an elderly neighbor is behind on payments, they will be cool and safe at home during the hottest months.

Throughout Maricopa County there are cooling stations for people who need water or don’t have access to cool, indoor spaces for safety. Find one near you but be prepared so hopefully you never need it.