Project Access®
About Project Access®
Project Access® is a ground-breaking physician volunteer initiative providing access to comprehensive medical care for low-income uninsured Buncombe County residents since 1996. More than 2,500 low-income individuals in Buncombe County receive healthcare through Project Access® annually.
How Project Access® Works
A dedicated network of more than 500 Buncombe County physicians along with Mission Hospital, local pharmacies, WCMS Interpreter Network Interpreters, mental health providers, community service navigators, generous volunteers--all supported by donations from businesses and individuals in the community, provide healthcare through Project Access® to individuals in Buncombe County without reimbursement. Project Access® is not health insurance, it is however a way to help our community members stabilize their health so that health insurance is more attainable.
Donate to Project Access®
Every $1 invested in Project Access® produces a return of $15 in medical care!
"Project Access® fills an urgent need in our community allowing us to coordinate preventive and wellness care that keeps patients’ overall health at a higher level. As a result, our volunteer physicians limit the episodes of crisis care such as hospitalization or emergency care, which is always more expensive and less desirable for patients." Bill Hathaway, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Mission Health Systems
Are you a patient?
Contact Project Access® at 828.274.6989
Why Project Access® is More Crucial Than Ever
Even with the Affordable Care Act, nearly 14% of Buncombe County residents remain uninsured. Many are too poor (fall below the Federal Poverty Line of $11,880 for an individual) to qualify for the Affordable Care Act, and without Medicaid expansion in North Carolina these individuals need programs such as Project Access® more than ever before so they can live healthier lives. In fact, many people rely on Project Access® to survive.
We are grateful to the amazing Project Access® network of providers and practices, volunteers and supporters. We need your help to ensure that we can continue to provide healthcare to those in need in Buncombe county
If you are interested in learning more about Project Access® and how you can help, please contact us at 828.274.6989.
Our Certified Health Access Counselors are Here to Help
Enrollment in Project Access® is not the only option for the low-income, uninsured of Buncombe County for their medical needs. Many providers have payment plans to assist low-income patients. We have a team of Certified Health Access Counselors who can assist patients with understanding their healthcare options, including:
- Helping enroll in the health insurance marketplace
- Helping understand the health insurance marketplace insurance premiums
- Screening patients for Medicaid, Medicare, and Project Access®, as eligible.
Thank You Letters from Project Access® Patients:
E.L. Letter
Thank You Project Access® Volunteers!
Project Access® exists thanks to the donations of local physicians, hospitals, and other providers. Check out the volunteer lists from past years: