Health
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With the passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), most people should not have to front costs for the COVID-19 test. All forms of public and private insurance, including self-funded plans, cover FDA-approved COVID-19 tests and costs associated with testing with no cost-sharing. In addition to covering testing with no cost sharing for current Medicaid enrollees, FFCRA added a new option for states to cover testing for the uninsured through Medicaid with 100% federal funding. You can visit the Medicaid Emergency Authority Tracker for details on which states have implemented this policy option.
Many people use medicines they need every day to survive. If this applies to you, you need to:
- 1.Plan ahead and try to get multiple refills at once for any essential medicine. You may need to call your doctor to have them prescribe more medicine, or your insurer to allow you to pick up more than one. It is important to advocate for yourself. Continue to ask your social worker for help if providers won’t accommodate you.
- 2.If you cannot leave home to pick up medicine, most states allow you to send a friend or family member to pick up your medicine for you. You may need to call your pharmacy ahead of time to make sure you can do it and if your designated person needs any documents. Some pharmacies also have free delivery services, like CVS and Walgreens.
If you're having trouble getting medications you need because of COVID-19, Good Pill can provide 3 months of free (and delivered) medications.
To be prepared in case you get sick, make sure to have on hand:
- Any medications you’re taking – at least a month’s supply of prescriptions – as well as other items needed to manage chronic disease like blood glucose test strips for diabetes.
- Health supplies like pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes and vitamins.
- Enough food for two weeks – primarily non-perishables that won’t go bad while in storage. As needed, this includes baby food and formula for infants, as well as pet food.
- Supplies to keep your hands and home clean.
Losing healthcare is considered a qualifying life event and you can register for healthcare through healthcare.gov. You have up to 30 days after losing your health insurance to enroll.
Undocumented people are usually not eligible for health insurance, even through healthcare.gov, but can still receive health care through free or low-cost clinics that serve the uninsured. Check out this guide by United We Dream for more resources.
For people who are uninsured looking for free health clinics or community health center, check out the Free Clinic Directory.
There are many places where you can find free online yoga and other free workouts that can be done at home, including: YMCA 360, Orangetheory at Home, Lululemon's Community Carries On, CorePowerYoga, FitOn - At Home Fitness App, Down Dog App, and Gold's Gym.
If you already see a therapist, or have seen one in the past who you’ve found helpful, be sure to reach out. Many therapists setting up their own teletherapy options. If you can no longer see your provider, work with your social worker to identify new options.
If you want to explore mental health resources on your own:
- AMR Therapy is offering sliding scale mental health therapy and 30-minute phone sessions for donation only. AMR is operated by licensed professionals donating their time and expertise to whatever you are able to afford.
- There are a number of teletherapy platforms, most of them are paid. However:
- Headspace is an app that helps people learn how to meditate and practice it frequently. They have a discount for students and offer a free course for COVID-19 stress.
- Woebot is a free app built by psychologists to provide anxiety, depression, and mindfulness tools. Note that you are not talking to a human when you text with Woebot.
- There are a number of mindfulness apps out there, including InsightTimer, MyLife, Omvana, and The Mindfulness App.
- Be Who You Are is a self-study program that is currently offers free self-guided courses to take advantage of. You can work on your daily lessons on a phone or mobile device at any time that works for you.
- Above The Influence provides links to multiple hotlines, websites, and other resources for youth who are struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse.
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a tip sheet that provides information for taking care of behavioral health during times of social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. You can also call their national helpline at 800-662-HELP.
- Online AA Meetings includes links to various websites and apps for virtual Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to respond to the suspensions of in-person meetings. You can also check out the Remote AA Meetings finder provided by IGNY.
- Unity Recovery offers free online recovery support groups which are available five times a day and open to everyone.
- If you are in New York, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports expanded access to remote addiction services.
- For folks under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, the Trevor Project hotline is open 24/7. They have phone, text, and chat options.
- The Trans Lifeline peer support hotline is open to support you at 877-565-8860. They can help access other resources.
Last modified 2yr ago