Jefferson Healthcare’s financial counseling team can help you understand your options, assist you in signing up for insurance, and give you advice on how to collaborate with your insurance provider so you get the care you need.
September 5, 2024
Navigating the complexities of health insurance can be daunting for many people. At Jefferson Healthcare, Patient Access Manager Damon McCutcheon and his team of financial counselors are dedicated to helping patients in East Jefferson County overcome financial barriers to healthcare. In a recent episode of the To Your Health podcast, McCutcheon shared valuable insights on navigating health insurance and described the support services Jefferson Healthcare provides to ensure everyone has access to the care they need.
The Role of Financial Counselors at Jefferson HealthcareJefferson Healthcare’s financial counselors serve as vital resources for patients seeking clarity on health insurance, billing, and financial assistance options. “Our financial counselors are patient-facing resources who are able to answer questions for patients on billing and insurance,” explains McCutcheon. “They’re actually certified navigators through the healthcare exchange, so they’re able to sign patients up for qualified healthcare plans or for Medicaid, and also work with patients on some of our robust financial assistance offerings.”
This one-on-one support is especially crucial for a rural community like East Jefferson County. Jefferson Healthcare’s financial counseling team helps ensure that community members can access care without undue financial stress.
One of the critical messages McCutcheon emphasizes is the importance of having health insurance, even for those who are relatively healthy. “If you are uninsured, that’s a lot of out-of-pocket to have to deal with,” McCutcheon notes, highlighting the high costs of emergency care compared to regular preventive care covered by insurance. Many people without insurance wait until conditions become severe before seeking treatment, which leads to higher costs and increased stress for both patients and the healthcare system.
Jefferson Healthcare’s counselors are there to help patients understand their options, navigate the complexities of choosing a plan, and avoid costly surprises. “Don’t go into this alone,” McCutcheon advises. “Utilize your resources, whether that be a local broker that knows your area, who can help guide you through the process, or reaching out to our financial counseling team, who also can help walk you through the process.”
For those who find themselves struggling to afford health insurance or healthcare costs, Jefferson Healthcare offers several financial assistance options. “Washington State has a number of low-income options…whether that be Apple Health, which is Washington’s Medicaid, or some of our qualified health plans,” says McCutcheon. Jefferson Healthcare also provides charity care, going beyond the state-mandated requirements to offer a more robust financial assistance program that is available to all, regardless of their insured status.
McCutcheon shared that many patients are often surprised by the level of support available to them, and he encourages everyone to contact Jefferson Healthcare’s financial counselors with any questions or concerns. “They’re a tremendous team of individuals that are very, very knowledgeable in what they do,” he says.
For more insights from Damon McCutcheon on navigating health insurance and accessing care at Jefferson Healthcare, listen to the full podcast episode.
Jefferson Healthcare is committed to breaking down financial barriers to healthcare. By providing financial counseling, insurance navigation, and financial assistance programs, Jefferson Healthcare ensures that community members can focus on their health without the added burden of financial stress.
If you need assistance with understanding your health insurance options or are interested in Jefferson Healthcare’s financial assistance programs, don’t hesitate to reach out to our financial counselors. They are ready to help you navigate the process and find the best solutions for your situation.
You can learn more about financial assistance and financial counseling services at Jefferson Healthcare by visiting our website. You can also contact the team by telephone: 360.385.2271. Or, visit the financial services offices: 803 W Park Ave., Port Townsend, WA 98368.
Jefferson Healthcare is an award-winning, full-service healthcare organization meeting the care needs of East Jefferson County. Jefferson Healthcare offers inpatient and comprehensive outpatient services including primary and specialty physician care.
