Project Access Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Project Access®?
A: Project Access® is an innovative network of volunteer physicians helping low-income, uninsured patient’s access comprehensive healthcare. These services are possible through donated medical care from individual physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, and volunteer providers.
Q: Who qualifies for Project Access®?
A: Residents of Buncombe and Madison counties who are:
- uninsured
- do not qualify for any type of health or disability insurance
- low-income
Q: How do I enroll in Project Access®?
A: Patients must meet the above qualifications and be referred to Project Access® by your Primary Care Physician.
Q: What is the process for enrolling in PA?
(How long does it take to get enrolled?)
A: This is the enrollment process for patients referred via fax:
- Patient is referred to Project Access® by their primary care physician.
- Patient is then contacted via mail or telephone to complete a screening. This means that the patient will answer specific questions about their household, income, etc. as well as sign a patient responsibility and consent form.*
- The Health Access Counselor will then process the information from the screening along with the required verification documents that have been provided by the patient and either enroll or deny the patient.
- Patient and referring provider will be made aware of enrollment status.
- Typically, the process can take up to 30 days from the initial referral until the patient is approved or denied.
*If you are a patient at WNCCHS/Minnie Jones Clinic or AMCHC/Dale Fell Clinic- then your screening will take place on site instead of via phone.
There are other options that may be available to you if you are denied. Ask your Health Access Counselor.
Q: Can Project Access® help me obtain health insurance?
A: Yes, we have Certified Application Counselors (CACs) that can assist eligible consumers with the Health Insurance Marketplace (HIM).
Q: Where can I get a primary care provider?
A: If you do not have a Primary Care Physician, you can make an appointment at one of the community clinics:
Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS)
257 Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
828-285-0622
Dale Fell Health Center (part of Appalachian Mountain Community Health Center)
7 McDowell Street
Asheville, NC 28801
828-257-4745
ABCCM Medical Ministry
155 Livingston Street
Asheville, NC 28801
828-259-5339
Blue Ridge Community Health Center
2579 Chimney Rock Rd
Hendersonville, NC 28729
828-692-4289
Arden Health Center (affiliated with Blue Ridge Community Health Center)
2695 Hendersonville Rd.
Arden, NC 28704
828-692-4289
Mission My Care Plus - Leicester
711 New Leicester Highway
Asheville, NC 28806
828-253-3717
Mission My Care Plus - Biltmore Park
310 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
828-213-9424
Mission My Care Plus - Candler
1388 Sand Hill Road
Candler, NC 28715
828-213-1111
Q: What can Project Access® assist me with?
A: Project Access® has volunteer providers to assist with these various medical and wrap around services:
- Access to primary care
- Access to specialty care
- Prescription medications
- Durable medical equipment
- Inpatient hospital services
- Labs
- Imaging
- Interpretation services
- Navigators to help with social and economic concerns
- Optometry
- Chiropractic
- Acupuncture
- Mental health
Some of the services such as mental health and medications may require a small co-pay.
Q: Can patients receive assistance with prescriptions only?
A: Unfortunately, Project Access® cannot assist with prescriptions solely. However, there are several programs that patients can apply for to receive assistance such as: