Location: 5 Maple Street, Randolph, VT 05060

Phone: (802) 728-2323

Fax: (802) 728-2335

E-Mail: healthconnect@giffordmed.org

Health Connections links men, women, and children to health care and community services.  It provides a wide range of health care services both at Gifford and in the community through resources and referrals.  Health connections and Gifford’s Community Outreach Office provide the link to a wide range of health care services both at Gifford and in the community. 

Gifford’s Community Health Resource Center supports Gifford’s outreach programs and is a resource for medical information for the consumer, as well as for Gifford’s medical staff and employees.  Staff and volunteers are available to help patients and community members access information from Gifford’s web site, as well as from its library of books, videotapes, and other health-related information.

Application Assistance for Health Care Coverage

For application assistance, call (802) 728-2323.

Gifford Affordable Care:  Provides qualified applicants with free or reduced health care at Gifford. 

Vermont Health Access Plan (VHAP):  State health insurance for VT residents over age 18 who don’t have health insurance.  There are income requirements as well as residency requirements.  You must not have had health insurance in the past 12 months, unless you lost a job, you were covered under your spouse’s plan and your spouse died or you got a divorce, or you are no longer a dependent under your parents plan. 

VHAP Pharmacy and Vscript:  Prescription coverage for people with disabilities or elderly people.  VHAP pharmacy covers drugs for both short and long-term medical problems.  You pay only $1 or $2 for each prescription.  Vscript covers only drugs for long term medical problems and you pay half the cost of your prescription.  Qualification for one or the other depends upon your income. 

Dr. Dynasaur:  A Vermont health insurance program designed to provide health care for pregnant women and for children under age 18.  Under this program, your prenatal care can be completely covered, along with a whole range of medical and dental services for your children. 

Medicare:  Federal health insurance for elderly or disabled persons.  This is a two-part insurance (Part A & B).  In order to qualify for the below programs, you must be entitled to Medicare Part A and meet both income and resources requirements.

-         QMB is a program for persons with limited resources whose incomes are at or below the national poverty level.  It covers the cost of the Medicare premiums, coinsurance, and deductibles Medicare does not pay.  (This includes the Medicare Hospital deductible, the daily coinsurance charges for extended hospital and skilled nursing facility stays, the Medicare Medical Insurance [Part B] premiums, the $100 annual Part B deductible, and the 20% coinsurance for services covered by Medicare Part B, depending upon which doctor you go to.)

-         SLMB is for persons who do not qualify for the QMB program.  The income requirements are slightly higher than that of QMB, but not more than 20% higher.  If you qualify for assistance under SLMB, you would not have to pay the monthly Part B premium.

Medicaid:  Federal and state health insurance program that provides physician, hospital, and dental coverage through the State of Vermont.  Applicants must meet income and resource requirements.  Other help may be available through the Medicaid Spendown and Retroactive Benefits programs.

For more information on these programs, call (802) 728-2472.

Book Bag and Gym Bag Programs:  Through the Book Bag program, volunteers deliver health-related books and/or videos to area businesses and organizations for employee use.  The Gym Bag Program for high school students is part of a larger breast cancer education and awareness program, Woman to Woman, designed to present important wellness information to high school girls.

Cancer Support Groups:  Woman to Woman, Gifford’s cancer support group for women meets regularly at the hospital with a facilitator.  Gifford’s Prostate Support group for men meets in the Community Outreach building and is open to all men and their families dealing with prostate cancer.  Two Gifford physicians facilitate the group. 

Navigator Program:  Trained female volunteers are available for one-on-one support to help women access the health care system and to provide transportation and support for women coming to Gifford for screenings

Health Breaks:  A program which offers free on-site preventative health screenings for employees of businesses that do not offer health insurance.  A team of health care workers travel to the job site to test for weight, smoking habits, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. 

Woman to Woman:  Gifford will pay for mammograms and clinical breast exams for women who meet the income guidelines.  This fund is supported in part by the Auxiliary of Gifford Medical Center and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.  Apply at the Health Connections office.  For more information, call (802) 728-2323.

Bike Helmet Program:  The mission of the bike helmet program is to provide helmets to young bike riders in our service area.

Other Programs

For more information on these programs, call (802) 728-2323.

Prescriptions:  Provides help for patients who need prescriptions and have difficulties in paying for them.  We will attempt to find a means to help pay for needed prescriptions.  Each application is on a case by case basis.

Dental Care:  Health Connections provides referral and help in finding dentists who will accept Medicaid and/or VHAP Managed Care.  We also have a Limited Dental Fund available through The Neighborhood Health Clinic.  This dental fund is limited to emergency care.  Applications are processed on a case by case basis.  Contact the Community Outreach Office for more information and referrals.

Eye Care:  This may include help with purchasing eyeglasses and/or an eye exam.  The program has limited availability and is provided on a case by case basis. Contact the Community Outreach Office for more information and referrals.

Transportation:  Transportation can be provided to and from doctors and medical appointments.  We use volunteers through the Navigator Program and/or refer to Interfaith Caregivers.  This program is provided on a case by case basis and may require advanced notice to get a ride.  Contact the Community Outreach Office for more information and referrals.

Chiropractic Services:  Chiropractic services can be provided with a doctor referral.  We can make referrals on a case by case basis for free or reduced Chiropractic care.  This program may have limited availability.  Contact the Community Outreach Office for more information and referrals.

Special Equipment:  Help is available to locate medical and home care equipment.  We are able to help locate used equipment for purchase or borrowed on a temporary basis.  Contact the Community Outreach Office for more information and referrals.

Support Group Referrals:  If you are looking for a support group, we may know of one in your area.  Contact the Community Outreach Office for more information and referrals.

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