Healthcare & Insurance

COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 News
Healthcare.gov (Health insurance marketplace)
Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP)
Free or reduced cost medical/dental care offices
Healthcare Providers
Medical Information Online
COVID-19 Testing
Connecting Kids to Coverage

Need Health Coverage?

Open enrollment is November 1, 2021 to January 15, 2022

Assistance with enrollment is available!
Visit GetCoveredAmerica.org or fill out the form below to make a virtual or in-person appointment.

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 News

• CDC Recommends Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5 to 11 Years (CDC.gov, 11/2/21)
• CRHC Pop Up Vaccine Clinic, May 27-29, 9am-6pm
  • The Indiana Department of Heath is supervising and administering one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccines to those 18 and older, or first dose Pfizer vaccines for children ages 12-17.
  • Walk-ins welcomed as space allows, or secure your time by calling 211 or visiting ourshot.in.gov
• Sign ups beginning for 12- to 15-year-olds to get the COVID vaccine (SB Tribune/Indianapolis Star, 5/13/21)
  • …in St. Joseph County, Dr. Mark Fox, deputy health officer, said…the state site to register, ourshot.in.gov, should be able to register children 12-15 with the ample amount of vaccine available at the county-run vaccination sites.
  • Those under age 18 will need parental consent to be vaccinated. The consent form can be completed online.
  • Parents or teens making an appointment need to make sure that the clinic offers Pfizer. The other two vaccines are not approved for that age group.
  • Teenagers need to have a parent or guardian present when they get the vaccine or bring a signed note from a parent or guardian.
• Uber And Lyft Will Give Free Rides To COVID-19 Vaccination Spots, White House Says (NPR, 5/11/21)
• FDA Authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Emergency Use in Adolescents in Another Important Action in Fight Against Pandemic (FDA.gov, 5/10/21)
  • …the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine…to include adolescents 12 through 15 years of age.
• U.S. FDA set to authorize Pfizer COVID-19 shot for ages 12-15 early next week (Reuters, 5/3/21)
• COVID-19 vaccine clinic set for Wednesday at Century Center (SB Tribune, 4/27/21)
• U.S. Recommends Pausing Use Of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Over Blood Clot Concerns (NPR, 4/13/21)
• HealthLinc holding vaccine clinic Wednesday with J&J vaccine (SB Tribune, 3/30/21)
• Indiana residents 30 and older now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine (SB Tribune, 3/29/21)
• Indiana mask order to end April 6 and become advisory; vaccine soon open to ages 16 and up (SB Tribune/Indianapolis Star, 3/24/21)
• Pokagon Band of Potawatomi working to give COVID vaccines to Native Americans (SB Tribune, 3/22/21)
• Indiana lowers minimum vaccine age to 45 (SB Tribune, 3/16/21)
• Northern Indiana veterans can get the COVID vaccine Saturday in Kokomo (SB Tribune, 3/8/21)
• Indiana teachers of any age can get COVID vaccine through federal pharmacy program (South Bend Tribune, 3/4/21)
• Indiana residents now 50 and older now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine (South Bend Tribune, 3/3/21)
• People 55 and older can now get the COVID-19 vaccine in Indiana (South Bend Tribune, 3/2/21)
  • “People on dialysis, who have had organ transplants, have certain cancers, sickle cell anemia and Down syndrome are also eligible to be vaccinated.
  • In a sign that sites expect more vaccine to be flowing, Veteran Health Indiana will now vaccinate any veteran over the age of 18.”
• Mass COVID vaccine clinic coming to Notre Dame’s Compton Family Ice Arena (South Bend Tribune, 3/2/21)
  • “The Indiana Department of Health will host three mass immunization clinics for Indiana residents eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine across the state this month, including one at the University of Notre Dame.
  • All three clinics will deliver the Johnson & Johnson vaccine
  • Appointments will be required for the mass clinics and are available at the state’s website, ourshot.in.gov
• Vaccine update 2/17/21
  • Was Your Vaccine Appointment Canceled Due to Weather? You can reschedule your appointment by clicking on the link in your last confirmation text message or email, or you can call 211. We are working to reschedule everyone as quickly as possible.
  • NEW quarantine guidance after 2nd dose: You are no longer required to quarantine following an exposure to someone with COVID-19 if fully vaccinated (you’ve had both doses) and you meet specific criteria:
    • Are fully vaccinated (2 weeks after getting final dose)
    • Are within 3 months after getting the last dose
    • No COVID-19 symptoms
  • Anyone who doesn’t meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance after exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Read the new CDC guidelines (and scroll down to Public Health Recommendations for Vaccinated Persons).
• Indiana announces which groups will next be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine (South Bend Tribune, 2/11/21)
• Other states are giving the COVID vaccine to teachers. Why isn’t Indiana? (Indianapolis Star / South Bend Tribune, 2/5/21)
• Biden Administration Will Ship COVID-19 Vaccines Directly To Pharmacies (NPR, 2/2/21)
• COVID vaccine clinics offer unused doses to people on standby lists (South Bend Tribune, 1/31/21)
  • SJC Health Department: people call 574-235-9750 and ask to be listed.
  • State-eligible individuals wanting to be on the hospital’s standby list can call the Beacon COVID hotline at 855-523-2225.
  • Officials at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, a vaccine provider in St. Joseph County maintains a wait list people can sign up for by calling 574-335-8560.
• BBB Tip: Don’t share your COVID-19 vaccine card on social media (Better Business Bureau, 1/29/21)
• COVID vaccines available at some South Bend-area Meijer, Kroger and Walmart stores by appointment (IndyStar / SB Tribune, 1/128/21
• Step-by-step instructions on how to register for a COVID-19 vaccine in Indiana (South Bend Tribune / Indianapolis Star, 1/18/21)
• Testing positive for coronavirus after getting a vaccine? Here’s how likely that is and what to know if it happens (USA Today, 1/5/21)

Healthcare.gov (Health Insurance Marketplace)

We all want to be healthy and to see our families grow and thrive. Health insurance is an important way to keep you covered. There are many Americans who are not currently covered by health insurance. If you are one of those individuals, now is the time to enroll. The Library can help.

You don’t have to navigate the enrollment process on your own. Library staff have been trained as Certified Application Counselors. We can help you walk through the entire process or answer your questions about how insurance and the Marketplace work. Appointments are available in-person (at Western or Tutt Branches) or virtually (by phone or Zoom). Appointments available in Spanish. Schedule your appointment here or call 574-282-4646.

Why should you enroll in health insurance?

• Health care is expensive, and health insurance gives you peace of mind to know that your finances won’t be drained in case of an accidental injury or an unexpected health problem.
• Health insurance is also a good idea for routine and preventive care, like yearly checkups, flu shots, vision and dental care for your kids, or prenatal appointments.
• With health insurance you will pay less for doctor appointments, prescriptions, and surgeries.

When do I need to enroll for health insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace?

The Special Enrollment Period is February 15 – August 15. 

How can I enroll?

Do it yourself:

• Enroll online at www.healthcare.gov or https://cuidadodesalud.gov (Espanol)
• Enroll by phone. Call Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596.
• Check out this Digital Learn course about using Healthcare.gov to enroll in health insurance.
• This checklist outlines what you need to apply or re-enroll in health coverage.

Get help!

• Schedule a free, in-person or virtual visit with a trained staff member. Schedule an appointment here or call 574-282-4646.

Health insurance can be confusing. Let’s talk about a few common concerns.

• Health insurance is too expensive for me.
  • 8 out of 10 enrollees got financial help to pay for health insurance last year.
• I’ve always gotten health insurance from my employer, but I recently lost my job.
  • COBRA is not your only choice. You may find a more affordable health plan at HealthCare.gov. You can apply starting 60 days before your coverage ends and you have until 60 days after coverage ends.
• Digital Learn Course: Using Healthcare.gov
• CMS.gov resources for consumers:
  • 5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Health Coverage – can help answer additional questions after consumers enroll in a plan through a Marketplace
  • A Roadmap to Better Care and a Healthier You – explains what health coverage is, and how to use it to get the primary care and preventive services to help you and your family live long, healthy lives.

News:

• 2021 Special Enrollment Period Access Extended to August 15 on HealthCare.gov for Marketplace Coverage (HHS.gov 3/23/21)
• How The Stimulus Package Could Cut Health Care Costs For Millions (InsuranceNewsNet / The News & Observer, 3/30/21)
• In ‘Do-Over,’ Enrollment in Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Reopens (New York Times, 2/5/21)
• HHS Announces Marketplace Special Enrollment Period for COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (HHS.gov, 1/28/21)
• Biden to reopen Obamacare enrollment Feb. 15 to May 15 amid COVID-19 pandemic (USA Today, 1/28/21)

Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP)

Indiana offers several health coverage options for qualified low-income individuals and families, individuals with disabilities and the elderly with limited financial resources. Each program is designed to meet the medical needs of that specific group of individuals, and each program uses a different set of measures to determine if a person qualifies for that program.

For more information, visit the FSSA website or call 800-403-0864, for information.

How do I apply? 

• Apply online health coverage here.
• Apply by phone at 800-403-0864 Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
• Apply by mail (Division of Family Resources PO Box 1810 Marion, IN 46952)
  • Paper applications in English and Spanish are available at South Bend’s Division of Family Resources office located at the Commerce Center at 401 E. Colfax Ave. Suite 375 next to the East Race.

Need help?

• Call 1-877-GET-HIP-9 (1-800-438-4479) for questions.
• Call 1-800-889-9949 Hoosier Healthwise for questions about health plan options.
• Make an appointment with a library staff member to help you fill out HIP forms by calling 574-282-5656 or emailing library@sjcpl.org.
• Find a health care Navigator

What is the difference between HIP and the federal Marketplace?

Health coverage programs are available from both the federal and state governments. The federal Health Insurance Marketplace holds open enrollment period from November through January. Indiana offers health coverage called the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP). You can apply any time during the year. Both Marketplace and HIP coverage have eligibility requirements.

During the open enrollment process using the federal Marketplace, your eligibility for federal and state insurance programs will be assessed. If you are determined to be eligible for HIP, your information will be forwarded to the State of Indiana to further evaluate eligibility.

Free or reduced cost medical/dental care offices

(https://www.freedentalcare.us/ci/in-south_bend)

• HealthLinc South Bend IUSB Campus
  • Medical – IUSB Vera Z. Dwyer Hall
    1960 Northside Blvd.
    South Bend, IN 46615
    Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Dental – IUSB Arts and Education building
    (Roger S. Pecina Dental Educational Clinic and Afdent Classrooms)
    1002 South Esther Street
    South Bend, IN 46615
    Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Toll Free & After Hours: (888) 580-1060
    Local Phone: (574) 307-7673
    Fax: (574) 234-4705
  • For those who qualify, HealthLinc has a sliding fee discount program to help provide high-quality affordable health care.
• Heart City Health
  • Scenic: 148 W Hively Ave., Suite 1
    Elkhart, IN 46517
    (574) 350-2500
  • Simpson: 236 Simpson Ave
    Elkhart, IN 46516
    (574) 293-0052
  • Women’s Health: 1545 Cassopolis St
    Elkhart, IN 46514
    (574) 584-2501
• Heart City Health Dental
  • 2100 Superior Street
    Elkhart, IN 46516
    (574) 970-1937
• We are not a free clinic. We provide healthcare services for a fee. However, because we are a Federally Qualified Health Center, we are able to offer reduced rates to people without insurance as long as they qualify based on income. Everyone is welcome as a patient.
  • For anyone without health insurance, we offer services on a sliding-fee scale, which means you pay only what you can afford.
• Cassopolis Family Clinic / Niles Community Health Center
  • Cassopolis Family Clinic
    261 M-62 North
    Cassopolis, MI 49031
    (269) 445-3874
  • Cassopolis Family Clinic Dental (Temporarily Closed)
  • Niles Community Health Center
    • 1951 Oak Street
      Niles, MI 49120
      (269) 262-4749
  • Niles Community Health Center Dental
    • 122 Grant Street
      Niles, MI 49120
      (269) 262-4364
  • Community Health Workers (CHW) are on staff to help patients who are uninsured enroll in Michigan Medicaid, Affordable Health Care Plans, or the Sliding Fee Discount Program.  Patients needing assistance are encouraged to meet with a CHW prior to their appointment.
  • Underinsured?  If you have Insurance with high out of pocket costs, you may be eligible for the Sliding Fee Discount Program.  Patients needing assistance are encouraged to meet with a CHW prior to their appointment.

Healthcare Providers

• AtoZdatabases contains listings of Healthcare Professionals.
  • From the Databases page, click the link for AtoZdatabases.
  • On the main page, click the Get Started button (bottom left) for 12 Million Healthcare Professionals.
  • Use the headings on the left to search by geography and other criteria.

Medical Information Online

• MedLine database – Information about health topics, drugs and supplements, genetics, medical tests, medications, dietary supplements, and healthy recipes
  • English and Spanish language resources
  • From the National Library of Medicine (NLM), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

COVID-19 Testing

• State Department of Health Interactive Testing Site Map
  • Register for free testing at a community test site
• Beacon
  • Also check Beacon’s Facebook page for updates to hours.
  • Screenings are performed through the in-car screening process. You will need to have a doctor’s order BEFORE being screened.
  • Pricing information
  • Beacon has specific sites set up for testing:
    • Beacon Medical Group Ireland Road. Check-in Required.
      • 1815 E. Ireland Road
      • South Bend IN, 46614
    • MedPoint Main Street
      • 6913 N. Main Street
      • Granger IN, 46530
    • Beacon Elkhart General Hospital
      • 500 Arcade Ave
      • Elkhart IN, 46514
    • Community Hospital of Bremen
      • 1020 High Road
      • Bremen IN, 46506
  • Telehealth – screening only, test may be ordered
• News:
  • What you need to know about the rapid COVID tests being distributed to Indiana schools (SB Tribune/Indianapolis Star 3/8/21)

Connecting Kids to Coverage

• Connecting Kids to Coverage – Indiana (CKC-IN)
  • A program to connect pregnant women, children and families to health care coverage in Indiana.
  • Our program will focus on enrollment in Hoosier Healthwise and the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP).
  • Cover letter
  • Referral form