Let’s face it. No one needs to remind us that 2023 was a challenging year for the people of Maine.
Mainers, of course, are famous for their grit and for having each other’s backs in tough times. And while that’s true, healing takes time and it’s OK to need help, whether following a violent event, a natural disaster, a personal loss, or something else. Most important, when life comes at you hard, remember to be patient with yourself and to stay connected with those around you.
There’s no script for reacting to the things life throws our way, and you shouldn’t expect to “get over it” quickly. You may not want to eat or are having a tough time sleeping. You might feel as if things are out of control, have a tough time concentrating, feel angry or restless, feel like withdrawing, or not even know how you feel. A current event might even remind you of something in the past and could churn up old feelings, too.
StrengthenME, a Maine state resource offering free stress management and resiliency resources, has a few suggestions:
You may need support if time drags on and you’re not feeling any better within about six weeks—particularly if you’re having a difficult time functioning at home or work, experiencing flashbacks, avoiding anything that might remind you of the event, and especially if you’re experiencing thoughts of harming yourself.
If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please dial 988, which routes you to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Community Health Options currently offers Members free therapy sessions through Amwell Telehealth®. Learn more by clicking here, or to speak with a therapist, log into your Amwell account and enter your service key (HealthOptions207) in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Select the box that is labeled “Therapy” and schedule your appointment. For questions, call Amwell support at (844) 733-3627 to speak with support.
Here are a few other resources:
When it comes to health insurance, the strength of a health plan’s network helps to determine its value, and you want to be sure the care you need is never far away. That’s why Community Health Options’ network stretches across Maine, and includes many providers in New Hampshire, Vermont and even Massachusetts, comprising 48,000 clinicians, hospitals and pharmacies—no matter which plan you choose.
When you buy auto insurance, you really don’t give much thought to who might fix your car if you have an accident, because you’re hoping you never need it. But health insurance is different. You’ll use it no matter what, whether you are healthy and need screenings to stay that way, or need care to manage chronic illness, behavioral health issues or complex care.
So, when it comes to health insurance, the strength of a health plan’s network helps to determine its value, and you want to be sure the care you need is never far away.
That’s why Community Health Options’ network stretches across Maine, and includes many providers in New Hampshire, Vermont and even Massachusetts, comprising 48,000 clinicians, hospitals and pharmacies—no matter which plan you choose. Notably, all Maine hospitals*, most in New Hampshire and Centers of Excellence in Massachusetts are all in-network and considered preferred for in-patient services on tiered HMO plans. Additionally, if you live outside of Maine part-time, often travel across the country or have a child away at college, national plans offer providers through our partnership with First Health®. And most recently, Community Health Options has been adding emergency medical services to its network, giving Members better EMS coverage, thanks to the adoption of a 2023 Maine law making that possible.
Coverage for virtual care includes telehealth options that begin with your own providers if they offer that service. If you are 18 or older—and looking for a primary care provider—you can choose a traditional in-network provider or opt for a virtual-first primary care team through Firefly Health. Firefly provides 24/7 access to a primary care team, anytime, anywhere, making it easier to access care right from your cell phone, whether you need preventive and routine care, or help managing more complex issues. Learn more about Firefly Health and download the app here.
Members also have access to urgent care telehealth sometimes. So, when you’re hurt or sick, or need care right away, of course head to the emergency room or call 911 if your condition is serious or life-threatening. However, you can save time and money using Amwell 24/7 for urgent care telehealth from the comfort of your home—at $0 cost share on non-HSA plans, and $64 on HSA plans ($0 after deductible). Amwell also offers behavioral health services like therapy and psychiatry. Scheduling is easy and you can do so online after registering, or by calling (844) 733-3627 for support.
Perhaps most important, Community Health Options supports its network with Maine-based care teams who help Members get access to providers, including virtual care, and who have on-the-ground knowledge of local resources.
Community Health Options’ care teams are available for any question through our Member Services team. If you have questions, please call (855) 624-6463 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
