Network Health

Network Health is a free healthcare program associated with the Cambridge Hospital and Somerville Hospital. It is designed for people who do not have health insurance, or have only partial coverage. People might choose Network Health versus other programs because of the convenience to those living in Cambridge/Somerville, because it can provide more coverage than most programs for those that do not strictly meet the income qualifications, and because it provides some dental services.

Network Health covers people under the state-run assistance program known as Free Care.

Qualifying

Here, we describe how the plan differs from Free Care.

See a general description of Free Care, including how to qualify, before proceeding.

Full Coverage

For those that meet the Full Free Care guidelines under the Network Health Plan, the plan is called "Network Health Plan A".

Partial Coverage

For those that qualify under the Partial Free Care income guidelines, Network Health coverage takes care of a certain percentage of the cost of services depending on the applicant's exact household income; the percentage is determined by a Network Health counselor and can meet as much as 95% of costs.

Prescriptions

Network Health A covers most prescriptions, but only when they are filled at Cambridge Hospital pharmacy.

Dental

Network Health provides for the following dental services:

• cleanings
• fillings
• extractions
• front teeth crowning

Approved applicants receive membership for a 6-month period, which may be extended for another 6 months upon filing an extension form. After one year, a new application must be filed.

College students are eligible; no restrictions on full- or part-time status are indicated.

Coverage

Facilities

Services are also rendered at Cambridge Hospital and Somerville Hospital.

Services

Network Health A does not provide for things like:

• ambulance services
• eyeglasses/contact lenses
• home health services
• outside lab tests
• skilled nursing facility care
• services provided at a hospital other than Cambridge Hospital or Somerville Hospital

If a patient is out of the area and requires emergency care, that care is not covered.

Interpreter services are available. Patients needing these services should ask staff to call an interpreter; interpreter services can be reached directly at 617-498-1550. In addition, a number of the individual providers are conversant in languages other than English, including: French, French Creole, German, Greek, Portuguese, and Spanish. Many of the Network Health enrollment counselors are also conversant in a variety of languages.

The specialties outlined for the Participating Providers are as follows:

• Adult medicine
• Family medicine
• Internal medicine
• Pediatrics
• Women's health

Hospitalization

Sponsorship

Applying

In order to apply, you'll need (for both the 100% coverage or the partial coverage plan):

• An application form
• One of the acceptable forms of Income Verification (must include the prior 12-month period before enrollment), including:
  • Income tax forms from the previous year.
  • A W-2 form from the previous year.
  • Most recent pay check stub, reflecting Gross Year-to-Date wages OR 4 most recent pay check stubs if stub does not reflect Gross Year-to-Date wages.
  • Self-Verification, signed by the applicant and notarized, which clearly states income earned during the past 12 months.
  • Income Verification form reflecting income earned over the last 12 months, completed and signed by a social worker outside Cambridge Hospital Community Health Network, an outreach worker, a social service agency, or clergy.
  • Support Affidavit, if the applicant is 18 years of age or older and has no income, or is supported by others. This document is never signed by the applicant; it must be signed by parents, the person providing financial support, a clergy member, a social worker, or a social service agency representative.
  • Self Declaration is appropriate if the applicant is 18 or older with no means of providing support verification. Signature of the applicant and notarization are required.

Additional Information