Access to Care
May 01, 2024
Launch the media gallery 1 playerAccess to care is one of the five community issues prioritized in our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for 2019-2024. Our goal, with our partners, is to increase access to care in our community through addressing identified gaps in services and barriers to accessing care.
South Heartland works to ensure that all people have full and equal access to opportunities that enable them to lead healthy lives. To achieve health equity, we must strive to eliminate avoidable health inequities and health disparities.
Nebraska Medicaid Expansion Program
Medicaid coverage is available for Nebraskans aged 19-64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level (about $17,000 a year for a single person). People with Medicare can qualify for Medicaid in various ways, but not through Heritage Health Adult.
Coverage includes services like doctor's office visits, hospital visits, and prescription drugs, as well as dental, vision, and over-the-counter drug coverage.
Applications can be submitted year-round. You can submit an application on your own at Access Nebraska as well as find resources for help. If you would like to talk to someone about your application, SHDHD has a certified Medicaid Enrollment person who can help. Just call the Health Department at 402-462-6211 and ask for Sam.
Minority Health Initiative for the Hispanic Community
SHDHD conducted a Minority Health Needs Assessment in 2022 that guides an initiative to serve the Hispanic community in Hastings. On a quarterly basis, 12 representatives meet to be the voice of their community. They share their ideas about ways the health department can meet their health needs. Input from these meetings drives monthly educational events.
Walk-In Clinics
SHDHD now holds walk-in vaccination clinics for adults and children every Tuesday from 11:30am to 5:50pm. No appointment necessary! For eligibility, see the Immunization page.
Federally Qualified Health Center in Hastings!
Hastings is the lucky recipient of our very own Federally Qualified Health Center, Heartland Health Center - Hastings. It opened for business on July 29th. They offer medical, dental, and behavior health services. If you are uninsured, please consider giving them a call -- 308-382-4297. They also offer a sliding fee scale for those who qualify.
Health Literacy
We are striving to reach everyone with health information.
More than 90 million adults in the United States have low health literacy. It affects their ability to make health decisions. This can harm their health. They may have trouble managing chronic diseases and leading a healthy lifestyle. They may go to the hospital more often and have poorer health overall.
According to the National Institution of Health, health literacy refers to how well a person can get the health information and services that they need, and how well they understand them. It is also about understanding and using them to make decisions about your and your family's health.
South Heartland is working with community and healthcare partners to increase understanding about the importance of promoting health literacy is and providing tools to improve the health literacy of written, spoken and visual materials.
For more information on health literacy, contact South Heartland District Health Department at 402-462-6211 or 877-283-7595.