The Peru Gazette

Help addressing medical debt, insurance enrollment available

Plattsburgh, NY – Medical bills can feel overwhelming and even with insurance, costs like deductibles or services that are not fully covered can add up quickly. To help, the Financial Counselors at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) are available every Wednesday from 7:30 am to 4 pm at the CVPH Diagnostic Center, 89 Plaza Blvd. No appointment is necessary. Clients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

Counselors will also offer guidance and resources to assist those who are un-insured find health care coverage.

“There is assistance available for those with medical bills that are difficult to pay and for people who have no insurance. Our team is here to provide help and answer questions,” explained Melissa LaMountain, regional director of patient access.  “It can get overwhelming – especially if you unable to work while you are recovering. We’re hoping that by offering this additional opportunity to meet with our financial counselors, we can help ease some stress, prevent their debts from growing and hopefully make sure financial worries don’t stand in the way of recovery.”

CVPH’s financial assistance programs are designed to help people who do not have the ability to pay the medical bills incurred at the UVM health system’s New York partners.  There are eligibility requirements and an expectation to contribute based on the ability to pay.

Financial counselors are also available at the hospital’s main campus. To make an appointment there, call (518) 562-7075.