Your primary care provider’s office will send us your contact information. You will receive an application in the mail (this usually takes 1-2 weeks). Please make sure your provider’s office has your current mailing address to prevent delays! You will return the application to us (via mail, fax or drop-off) along with some verification documents: a copy of a photo ID, proof of income, and proof of residence.
Our team will review your application and make a determination whether you qualify for Project Access®. You’ll receive a letter in the mail informing you of the decision. We also let your provider’s office know, and if you are approved, we let any specialists know that your provider will be referring you to them.
What does Project Access® cover?
Project Access® covers primary care, specialty care, labs, imaging, procedures and surgeries, and hospitalizations. These services must be recommended by a provider via a referral. It does not currently cover emergency room visits (or subsequent hospitalization), urgent care, dental, endocrinology or podiatry. Certain procedures may not be covered (depending on if the provider is willing to do so). Buncombe County residents are eligible for low-cost prescription drugs through Project Access®. All Project Access® patients are eligible for durable medical equipment (such as crutches, CPAP machines, eyeglasses, orthopedic braces) up to $250 annually.
What happens if I get a bill?
If you get a medical bill for a service during your Project Access enrollment period, please email a copy of your bill to projectaccess@mywcms.org .
What about non-medical needs?
In your application, we will ask you questions about needs in other social and economic areas in addition to health care. Project Access® works with numerous other organizations in WNC to help connect our patients to services related to food, housing, help with utilities or home repair, transportation to and from medical appointments, childcare during medical appointments, employment, health insurance eligibility, and interpersonal safety. Our staff are trained to help you navigate the system and connect you as needed to important services that contribute to your overall health.
Does Project Access® provide interpreters?
Yes! An interpreter can be provided to you, free of charge both to you and the clinic, if you are an enrolled Project Access® patient. Please have your doctor’s office call our Interpreter Network (WIN) at 828-274-0950 to arrange an interpreter. The interpreter can help you set up the appointment over the phone and attend the appointment in person with you. Video interpreters are also available.
Primary Care Providers
If you do not have a primary care provider (MD, DO, PA or NP), you can contact one of these community clinics:
257 Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
828-285-0622
7 McDowell Street
Asheville, NC 28801
828-257-4745
155 Livingston Street
Asheville, NC 28801
828-259-5339
2579 Chimney Rock Rd
Hendersonville, NC 28729
828-692-4289
2695 Hendersonville Rd.
Arden, NC 28704
828-692-4289
711 New Leicester Highway
Asheville, NC 28806
828-253-3717
121 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
828-257-4730
590 Medical Park Dr.
Marshall, NC 28753-6807
828-649-3500
This list was updated March 2021. It does not include all primary care providers in the area, and WCMS does not have information whether each clinic is accepting new patients.