Dearborn Nonprofit Will Help Thousands as Health Care 'Navigator'

Beginning Tuesday, the 7.8 percent of Michiganders who are uninsured will all be able to shop online for coverage, but not without help.

Trained outreach specialists at ACCESS in Dearborn will provide free assistance for thousands of residents throughout Southeast Michigan who are signing up for health insurance for the first time in the Michigan Health Insurance Marketplace.

The organization is sharing $2.5 million with three other state organizations to train and hire workers who will enroll individuals in the marketplace, explain health care options and answer questions.

"Today we are making history together. Today is our first step to make health a human right and not just a privilege," said Dr. Adnan Hammad, senior director for the ACCESS Community Health and Research Center, during a press conference on Monday.

Hammad said over the years he has seen men and women across the region suffer from complications that stem from chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

"Many people in our community have been victims of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, strokes and other medical complications because of a lack of screening and medical testing," he said. "It is painful to see our women and families suffer because they have no insurance and therefore no access to early detection and screening."

Under the federal government's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Hammad said 750,000 Michigan residents will have access to insurance coverage.

For the next six months, ACCESS will provide enrollment specialists in Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties who will serve as an in-person resource for residents who need additional assistance in shopping for and enrolling in health care plans.

"There are community members out there with questions about what this law means for them. It's on all of us to make sure that those questions are answered. That's the only way this is going to work," Hammad said.

Madiha Tariq, manager of the Navigator program, said ACCESS has already trained 30 certified specialists, with plans to train another 60 by Tuesday.

Whitney Litzner, 25, a Shelby Township resident, is one of the specialists. Litzner suffers from type 1 diabetes and in the past she has had her medical bills and prescriptions covered under her parents' employer plan. In January, however, Litzner will no longer be eligible for coverage due to her age, and will have to shop for insurance in the marketplace.

Litzner said prior to the Affordable Care Act, seven insurance companies declined coverage due to her pre-existing condition.

"Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, I will no longer have to worry about how I will be able to see a doctor or pay for my prescriptions," she said. 

Hammad said Michigan residents can enroll with ACCESS to get free assistance and information by visiting www.accesshealthcaremichigan.org, or by calling 1-888-670-6798.

Specialists are able to assist residents in multiple languages, however home appointments are not allowed. ACCESS staff will work with clients to provide easily accessible locations throughout the Metro Detroit area.