When it comes to health insurance, the strength of a health plan’s network helps to determine its value, and you want to be sure the care you need is never far away. That’s why Community Health Options’ network stretches across Maine, and includes many providers in New Hampshire, Vermont and even Massachusetts, comprising 48,000 clinicians, hospitals and pharmacies—no matter which plan you choose.
When you buy auto insurance, you really don’t give much thought to who might fix your car if you have an accident, because you’re hoping you never need it. But health insurance is different. You’ll use it no matter what, whether you are healthy and need screenings to stay that way, or need care to manage chronic illness, behavioral health issues or complex care.
So, when it comes to health insurance, the strength of a health plan’s network helps to determine its value, and you want to be sure the care you need is never far away.
That’s why Community Health Options’ network stretches across Maine, and includes many providers in New Hampshire, Vermont and even Massachusetts, comprising 48,000 clinicians, hospitals and pharmacies—no matter which plan you choose. Notably, all Maine hospitals*, most in New Hampshire and Centers of Excellence in Massachusetts are all in-network and considered preferred for in-patient services on tiered HMO plans. Additionally, if you live outside of Maine part-time, often travel across the country or have a child away at college, national plans offer providers through our partnership with First Health®. And most recently, Community Health Options has been adding emergency medical services to its network, giving Members better EMS coverage, thanks to the adoption of a 2023 Maine law making that possible.
Coverage for virtual care includes telehealth options that begin with your own providers if they offer that service. If you are 18 or older—and looking for a primary care provider—you can choose a traditional in-network provider or opt for a virtual-first primary care team through Firefly Health. Firefly provides 24/7 access to a primary care team, anytime, anywhere, making it easier to access care right from your cell phone, whether you need preventive and routine care, or help managing more complex issues. Learn more about Firefly Health and download the app here.
Members also have access to urgent care telehealth sometimes. So, when you’re hurt or sick, or need care right away, of course head to the emergency room or call 911 if your condition is serious or life-threatening. However, you can save time and money using Amwell 24/7 for urgent care telehealth from the comfort of your home—at $0 cost share on non-HSA plans, and $64 on HSA plans ($0 after deductible). Amwell also offers behavioral health services like therapy and psychiatry. Scheduling is easy and you can do so online after registering, or by calling (844) 733-3627 for support.
Perhaps most important, Community Health Options supports its network with Maine-based care teams who help Members get access to providers, including virtual care, and who have on-the-ground knowledge of local resources.
Community Health Options’ care teams are available for any question through our Member Services team. If you have questions, please call (855) 624-6463 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
*Except Togus VA Hospital
If you’ve been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, you likely already know the risks that come with high blood sugar levels—heart or kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage or stroke. Low levels can pose problems, too, like blurred vision, nightmares, headaches, confusion or lightheadedness.
Diabetes has become a national epidemic—there are at least 37 million people diagnosed with the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Maine, more than 113,000 people—or about 10% of the state’s adults—have been diagnosed with diabetes, with an estimated 32,000 who likely have diabetes, but don’t know it.
It takes more than an occasional A1c blood test, a measure of average blood sugar over three months, to effectively manage Type 2 diabetes and prevent the serious complications that can go with it. Even so, there’s a good chance that for many with diabetes, daily glucose monitoring can be hit or miss. Let’s face it: It can be a hassle to keep track with frequent finger sticks.
Daily monitoring empowers you to take control of your diabetes, whether measuring a few times a day with a glucose meter or using a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) that tracks patterns 24/7. Daily monitoring can also provide real-time information and reveal patterns, like whether sugar spikes after a meal or drops to dangerous levels overnight. It can also show you how your body responds in real time to specific food, exercise or the medications you take.
