• View list of participating provider sites
• View the NHHAN cover letter and application
• Links to public assistance programs
• Download a brochure

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What is the New Hampshire Health Access Network?

The New Hampshire Health Access Network is a voluntary effort by health care providers to improve access to health care for low-income children and adults statewide.

Who does the Network help?

The Network helps low-income people in New Hampshire who do not have enough health insurance or enough money to pay for hospital care, doctor visits or other medical care.

Who are the Network participants?

The Network includes over 200 health care providers throughout the state, including all of New Hampshire’s community hospitals and the Dartmouth-Hitchcock system, as well as many community health centers. Staff support for the Network is provided by the Foundation for Healthy Communities.

Why was the Network developed?

Too many people in our state have a difficult time getting the health care they need because they can’t afford it. Hospitals and other health care providers have always provided free or discounted care to patients who cannot afford to pay. The Network recognizes that by working together, health care providers can strengthen and improve access to comprehensive high quality health care for low-income children and adults statewide.

How does the Network make a difference?

The Network works to find ways to make it easier for people to get financial help for the health care they need. For instance, the Network developed a uniform set of eligibility guidelines and a common application that makes the process of applying for assistance more efficient and standard throughout the state. Network providers also assist residents to identify and apply for other assistance programs for which they may be eligible.

Which health care providers participate?

Any hospital, health care organization or individual provider is welcome to participate, provided they are willing to commit to the four guiding principles of the Network. Initial recruitment focused on hospitals because hospital care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and because hospitals have a commitment to community service.

What are the guiding principles of the Network?

1. To maintain an “open door”, providing dependable access to care for vulnerable residents in our community, regardless of their ability to pay.

2. To offer levels of free and discounted care that meet or exceed eligibility thresholds adopted collaboratively through the Network, subject to any conditions that apply locally. The framework for free and discounted care is currently the federal requirements for community health centers.

3. To collaborate with others through the Network to reduce or eliminate structural barriers to access for low-income seniors and low-income uninsured and under-insured children and adults statewide.

4. To collaborate with others through the Network to enhance continuity of care and coordination of care for low-income seniors and low-income uninsured children and adults statewide.

How does the Network work to accomplish its vision?

The Network started operating in the summer 2003. Each member organization appointed a staff member to be a liaison with the Network, and we meet on a quarterly basis to review current policies and procedures related to financial assistance activities. Brochures that inform patients about the Network have been printed in English and Spanish and distributed at all of our participating sites.
 

What are the primary tasks of the Network at this time?

• Monitoring the common application form and screening and eligibility procedures at participating sites, and updating policies as needed.

• Training and updating staff members at Network organizations to ensure that they understand the financial assistance programs.

• Communicating with New Hampshire residents statewide to ensure they are aware of the financial assistance programs at every community hospital in our state.



List of Participants (as of 3/22/10)

             If you have any questions about who participates in the NH Health Access Network,
                     please contact Bernie Cameron at 225-0900 or bcameron@healthynh.com.

*sites with a star after their name will process NHHAN applications.

For more information on NH Health Access Network, contact Bernie Cameron at bcameron@healthynh.com.