Web site will help the uninsured find resources

A new Web page launched today will help Medicaid recipients and people who don't have health insurance find doctors, clinics, dentists and other health resources in their communities.

The site, www.nchealthcarehelp.org, was established by the N.C. Institute of Medicine for the 1.5 million state residents who have no private insurance coverage. A recent study found that only about half of the uninsured were aware of community services that could help them.

"We wanted to put together a resource so people would know what's available in the community," said Pam Silberman, president and chief executive officer of the Institute of Medicine. "It also helps communities know where there are gaps" to establish new programs.

HOW DOES IT WORK? It lists each county and sorts for various services such as pharmacies, free clinics, mental-health programs, and doctors and dentists who take Medicaid, the federal insurance coverage for the poor. About 250 organizations are listed.

WHO PAID FOR IT? The effort was funded by grants from the Duke Endowment and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation.

WHAT PROMPTED THE IDEA? A task force formed by the institute studied the services available to people in the state who don't have insurance and recommended in 2005 that the Web page be developed.

WHY NOW? More and more people in North Carolina have no insurance and are struggling to find health-care services, Silberman said. In 1999-2000, the rate of the state's uninsured increased 25 percent, she said, while it rose nationally 12 percent. The primary reason was a loss of employer-based coverage, she said.