Columbia County Health Care

The Healthcare Consortium is a rural health network that comprises your friends and neighbors from the healthcare, business, and consumer sectors. It is one of 34 such networks throughout New York State and receives funding from the New York State Department of Health, Office of Rural Health, and through public and private resources and donations.

Our mission is to increase access to quality healthcare through collaboration, education, information, and service delivery. We are dedicated to improving the health of our community through the partnership of health, social service, all levels of government, and wellness organizations. We believe that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right of every individual, and individuals are primarily responsible for their own healthcare decisions and require information and education to fulfill their role effectively.

We envision a future where health care consumers are well-informed, low-income, uninsured, and underinsured individuals have equal access to primary care, dental, and vision services, transportation to health care services is accessible to all residents, and health outcomes make significant progress towards the Healthy People 2015 goals.

Our Services

The Healthcare Consortium offers a range of programs designed to improve access to healthcare and support the health and well-being of people in our rural community. These programs include:

• Children and Adults Rural Transportation Service (CARTS): This program provides door-to-door, non-emergency medical transportation to Columbia County residents.

• Navigator Program: Staff in the Navigator Program assist individuals, small businesses, and small business employees in Columbia and Greene Counties with signing up for affordable health coverage, including Medicaid and Child Health Plus, through the New York State of Health: the Official Health Plan Marketplace.

• Prescription Access and Referral Program: This program has been formed to help address the need for affordable prescription drugs, especially for those who have little or no insurance.

• NY Connects: NY Connects, Columbia County is a trusted resource in our community that provides the free information and assistance you need to make informed decisions about long-term care.

• Financial Assistance Funds: The Healthcare Consortium maintains various Financial Assistance Funds to provide payment, on behalf of eligible recipients, for health-related and other expenses.

• Tobacco-Free Action of Columbia & Greene Counties: This program provides educational materials on tobacco-related issues to individuals and organizations, conducts presentations, and sponsors media campaigns to raise public awareness and support for addressing problems caused or affected by tobacco use.

• Helpers for Health: The Helpers for Health Project staff can help you to GET AND STAY HEALTHY. Individuals and families in Columbia and Greene Counties can get help with things like understanding how to use health insurance, finding a doctor, resolving insurance issues, and arranging transportation.

Our Impact

Through our programs and services, we have been able to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of individuals and families in our rural community. We have helped thousands of people access essential healthcare services, provided education and resources to promote healthy living, and advocated for policies that support the health of our community.

We are committed to continuing our efforts to improve access to healthcare and support the health and well-being of people in our rural community. With the help of our dedicated staff, board members, and supporters, we will continue to work towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life.