When you get auto insurance, you don’t really worry about who’s going to fix your car. You buy it only in case you have an accident and hope you won’t have to use it.
But health insurance is different. You use it no matter what—whether you are healthy and want to stay that way, or have a chronic illness, are seeing a therapist or receiving complex care for something unexpected. That means you want a provider network that gives you access to care when—and where—you need it.
Community Health Options’ network is the most robust you’ll find in Maine, stretching from Fort Kent, all the way into New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts. All in, the network has more than 48,000 clinicians, hospitals and pharmacies. The network includes all of Maine’s hospitals*, most in New Hampshire and all Massachusetts Centers of Excellence, which are also considered preferred for in-patient services on tiered HMO plans.
If you live outside of Maine part-time, like to travel or have a child away at college, national plans get you coverage for care across the country through our partnership with First Health®.
Even with all those in-person options, we know it can be hard to find someone who is accepting new patients or offers appointments that meet your schedule. You may simply not even like going to the doctor’s office.
No worries. All Members 18 and over can choose a virtual primary care team through Firefly Health. The team—a medical doctor, nurse practitioner, behavioral health specialist and health guide—covers all aspects of your primary care and will refer you to nearby practitioners and specialists when you need them. If you already see specialists you like, you can keep them, too. You can set up your first appointment within three business days.
Community Health Options also covers telehealth visits with your local providers if they offer that service. That said, sometimes when you’re hurt or sick, you need care right away and your doctor might not be able to squeeze you in. Of course, if your condition is serious or life-threatening, head straight to the emergency room or call 911.
But if not, Amwell’s 24/7 urgent care telehealth can save you time and money with quick access to care from the comfort of your home for $0 out-of-pocket (or $0 after meeting the deductible on an HSA plan). Amwell also offers behavioral health services like therapy and psychiatry. It’s easy to set up a time online or through an app after registering, or by calling (844) 733-3627 for support.
Most important, Community Health Options supports its Members with care teams who work with providers to help Members manage complex needs. These clinicians all live in Maine, so they know which services are available near you, whether you need a ride to an appointment or resources to help transition to home from a hospital stay.
Care teams are available through our Maine-based Member Services team. If you have questions, please call (855) 624-6463 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
*Except Togus VA Hospital
Our 2023 Annual Report highlights how Community Health Options is expanding access to healthcare services, whether by adding providers to our behavioral health network, introducing virtual primary care on all plans, offering a new wellness platform or finding ways to trim out-of-pocket costs.
From our founding more than a decade ago until now, we’ve never wavered in our commitment to provide the people of Maine with new healthcare coverage solutions and access to wellness tools.
