Since 1998, the Gateway Health Access Program (GHAP) has connected the uninsured in our communities to affordable healthcare. GHAP also provides people with information and education on Massachusetts’ landmark Health Care Reform, which celebrated its third anniversary in April 2009.
GHAP serves those who live in Ashburnham, Ashby, Fitchburg, Gardner, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Princeton, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.
Mission Statement
The Gateway Health Access Program is a regional partnership of physicians,dentists and mental health clinicians,hospitals, community agencies, and area residents working to improve the health and well-being of our communities by increasing access for the uninsured to coordinated systems of care. GHAP strives to achieve this goal through outreach, education, empowerment, and self-accountability for those we serve.
What is Health Care Reform?
Massachusetts law now requires all residents over 18 years old to have health insurance or face penalties. Health Care Reform makes healthcare coverage available to all residents of Massachusetts. It is real health insurance that includes inpatient & outpatient services and prescription drug coverage at affordable rates. In addition to the expansion of MassHealth programs, new health plans are offered by Commonwealth Care. Health Care Reform is complex and many options are available through these programs.
What are the benefits of having health insurance?
You will have access to:
• Your own Primary Care Physician (family doctor)
• Preventative care
• Care when you are sick or injured
• Prescriptions at your local pharmacy
• Mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Eye examinations
• Dental care (available to some members only)
How do I apply?
Based on family size and income, Massachusetts residents may be eligible for one of these programs. A single application is used to determine eligibility for all programs. GHAP is your local resource for help with navigating the new health insurance system. From start to finish, GHAP will assist you with application and enrollment. GHAP will complete the application with you electronically so you will have a faster determination.
You will need to bring the following verification to your appointment:
• a current picture ID with a copy of your birth certificate, or
• a current U.S. Passport
AND
• all family income, earned and unearned (examples of unearned income are unemployment benefits and child support)
What is Commonwealth Care?
Commonwealth Care is the state’s newest insurance program. It is administered by the
Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority (the Connector), and is bringing healthcare coverage to thousands of eligible Massachusetts residents who were previously uninsured.
What health plans are available through Commonwealth Care?
Commonwealth Care plans are offered by:
-Boston Medical Center Health Net Plan
-CeltiCare
-Fallon Community Health Plan
-Neighborhood Health Plan
-Network Health Forward
The Health Safety Net Fund
Formerly known as the Uncompensated Care Pool, the Health Safety Net (HSN) is a fund set up to help pay for health services at hospitals and community health centers for certain low income uninsured and underinsured Massachusetts residents who do not qualify for MassHealth or Commonwealth Care.
What if my income is too high to be eligible?
For individuals and families whose incomes are too high for the fully or partially subsidized Commonwealth Care, the Connector offers private health insurance options through Commonwealth Choice. Commonwealth Choice plans are offered by:
-Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
-Fallon Community Health Plan
-Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
-Health New England
-Neighborhood Health Plan
-Tufts Health Plan
Based on costs and benefits, Commonwealth Choice insurer’s plans are grouped into categories. From most expensive to least expensive, the categories are Gold, Silver, Bronze and Young Adult Plan.
Detailed information on Commonwealth Choice can be found at www.mahealthconnector.org
GHAP Office Hours
Monday – Friday
9 AM – 5 PM
Appointments Recommended
Gardner Site
Heywood Hospital
242 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440
(978) 630-6562 (978) 630-6550
Leominster Site
HealthAlliance Hospital
60 Hospital Road, Leominster, MA 01453
(978) 466-2307 (978) 466-2308 Español
See the map below to determine which office of GHAP you should visit. If you live or work in the shaded areas, please come to the Heywood Hospital Office of GHAP. If you live or work in the unshaded areas, please go to the GHAP Office at HealthAlliance on Hospital Drive in Leominster, MA.
GHAP RECEIVES FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM
Heywood Hospital
HealthAlliance Hospital
Massachusetts Executive Offices of
Health and Human Services
