New Tool for Physicians and Patients Helps Answer Insurance Questions

As a result of the Affordable Care Act, more than 14 million Americans — many for the first time — now have health insurance through the Marketplace, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). But, as to be expected, many of these newly insureds have questions regarding when, where, and how to use their new coverage.

To help patients answer these questions, and help physicians to communicate with patients, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), launched a nationwide initiative called From Coverage to Care (C2C). C2C is designed to help consumers understand their new coverage and help them get the primary care and preventive services they need. It also provides information to health care providers and staff to ensure that they can better assist these newly insured patients.

Resources, available in both English and Spanish, include:

  • Discussion guide
  • Series of educational videos
  • Roadmap/step-by-step guide—explains health insurance terminology, how to make an appointment, what to expect during an office visit, the importance of preventive services, and includes a list of helpful resources and a personal  health screening log