Navigating healthcare access when uninsured or underinsured can be challenging, especially for individuals in New York State living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS. The Uninsured Care Programs (UCP) are dedicated to providing crucial support and access to free health care services. These services encompass a wide range of needs, including medications, outpatient primary care, home care, insurance premium assistance, and preventative measures like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). If you’re seeking assistance or information, connecting with the Uninsured Care Programs is your first step.
This article provides you with all the necessary contact details to reach the Uninsured Care Programs, ensuring you can access the help you need. Whether you are a new applicant or an existing participant, understanding how to get in touch with the program is essential for timely support and access to services.
Uninsured Care Programs Contact Information
For immediate assistance and to speak directly with a program representative, you can use the following contact numbers. Please note the updated hours of operation effective March 18, 2024:
Program Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Phone Numbers:
- In State (Toll-Free): 1-800-542-2437 or 1-844-682-4058
- Out of State: (518) 459-1641
Whether you are calling from within New York State or outside, these numbers will connect you with the Uninsured Care Programs team. For residents within New York, using the toll-free numbers ensures you can reach out without any cost.
It’s important to be aware of the program’s operating hours to ensure you call during a time when assistance is available.
Important Dates: Program Closures
Please be advised that the Office of Uninsured Care Programs will be closed on the following holidays in 2025:
- Monday, February 17, 2025 (Presidents’ Day)
- Monday, May 26, 2025 (Memorial Day)
- Thursday, June 19, 2025 (Juneteenth)
- Friday, July 4, 2025 (Independence Day)
- Monday, September 1, 2025 (Labor Day)
- Monday, October 13, 2025 (Columbus Day)
- Tuesday, November 11, 2025 (Veterans Day)
- Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving Day)
- Thursday, December 25, 2025 (Christmas Day)
Take these closure dates into account when planning to contact the program, especially if you have urgent inquiries or application needs.
Utilizing the Uninsured Care Programs Online Portal
For added convenience and secure document submission, the Uninsured Care Programs offer an online portal. This portal is designed to streamline the application and recertification processes.
Benefits of using the Online Portal:
- Secure Submission: Submit applications and sensitive documents safely and confidentially.
- Accessibility: Access the portal anytime, anywhere with an internet connection.
- Efficiency: Potentially faster processing of applications and recertifications.
Who can use the Portal?
- New Applicants: Individuals applying to the Uninsured Care Programs for the first time can complete and submit their application, along with necessary supporting documents like medical forms, income verification, and residency proof, all through the portal.
- Existing Participants: Current program participants can conveniently submit their recertification documents online, simplifying the renewal process.
The online portal is available in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for a wider range of users.
Services Covered by the Uninsured Care Programs
The Uninsured Care Programs encompass several key initiatives designed to provide comprehensive support. Understanding these programs can help you identify the specific assistance you may be eligible for.
AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)
The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) is a cornerstone of the UCP, focusing on providing free medications for the treatment of HIV/AIDS and related opportunistic infections. ADAP’s crucial role is to ensure that individuals living with HIV/AIDS have access to the medications necessary for:
- Prolonging life: HIV medications are vital for managing the virus and extending lifespan.
- Symptom Management: ADAP drugs help treat the various symptoms associated with HIV infection, improving quality of life.
ADAP extends its reach to individuals with varying insurance situations, including those with partial insurance coverage and those who have a Medicaid spenddown requirement, making essential medications accessible to a broader population in need.
ADAP Plus (Primary Care)
Building upon medication access, ADAP Plus (Primary Care) expands support to include free primary care services. These services are delivered through a network of selected clinics, hospital outpatient departments, office-based physicians, and laboratory vendors. ADAP Plus ensures access to essential ambulatory care, encompassing:
- Medical Evaluation: Comprehensive assessments of health status.
- Early Intervention: Timely interventions to manage health issues proactively.
- Ongoing Treatment: Continuous care to maintain health and manage HIV/AIDS effectively.
By providing primary care, ADAP Plus addresses holistic health needs beyond medication, ensuring participants receive well-rounded medical support.
HIV Home Care Program
For individuals with chronic medical dependencies, the HIV Home Care Program offers vital coverage for home care services. These services, prescribed by a physician, are crucial for those who require ongoing care in their home environment. The program covers a range of necessary services and supplies, including:
- Skilled Nursing: Professional nursing care at home.
- Home Health Aide Services: Assistance with daily living activities.
- Intravenous Therapy Administration: Management of IV medications at home.
- Medications and Supplies: Coverage for necessary medications and medical supplies.
- Durable Medical Equipment: Provision of equipment like wheelchairs or hospital beds when medically necessary.
Services are delivered through enrolled home care agencies, ensuring quality and coordinated care for eligible individuals.
ADAP Plus Insurance Continuation Program (APIC)
The ADAP Plus Insurance Continuation Program (APIC) addresses the financial burden of health insurance premiums. APIC provides financial assistance to pay for commercial health insurance premiums for ADAP-eligible clients. This program is designed to ensure continuous access to comprehensive healthcare coverage by:
- Covering Premiums: APIC pays for cost-effective health insurance policies.
- Ensuring Comprehensive Coverage: Policies covered by APIC must offer comprehensive prescription and primary care coverage without annual coverage caps, guaranteeing robust healthcare access.
APIC acts as a safety net, preventing gaps in health insurance coverage for eligible individuals, thereby promoting consistent access to medical services.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Assistance Program (PrEP-AP)
Recognizing the importance of prevention, the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Assistance Program (PrEP-AP) focuses on reimbursing eligible providers for services related to PrEP. PrEP is a crucial preventative medication for individuals at risk of HIV. PrEP-AP supports access to PrEP by covering:
- HIV Testing: Essential for determining PrEP eligibility and ongoing monitoring.
- STI/STD Testing: Regular testing for sexually transmitted infections.
- Supportive Primary Care Services: Related primary care services consistent with PrEP clinical guidelines.
By supporting providers in delivering PrEP-related services, PrEP-AP aims to increase PrEP access and contribute to HIV prevention efforts in New York State.
Eligibility for Uninsured Care Programs
To be eligible for assistance from the Uninsured Care Programs, you must meet certain criteria:
- Residency: You must be a resident of New York State.
- Insurance Status: You must be uninsured or underinsured, needing help with out-of-pocket healthcare costs like copays and deductibles.
- Income Level: Your household income must be less than 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
If you meet these criteria, you are encouraged to apply for the Uninsured Care Programs and access the vital support they offer.
Contact the Uninsured Care Programs for Assistance
Reaching out to the Uninsured Care Programs is simple. Whether you prefer to call or use the online portal, help is readily available.
For immediate assistance and answers to your questions, call the Uninsured Care Programs today at 1-800-542-2437 or 1-844-682-4058.
They are ready to assist you with your application process, answer questions about eligibility, and guide you through the services available to ensure you receive the healthcare support you need. Don’t hesitate to contact them and take the first step towards accessing essential healthcare services.
