After fielding phone calls, emails and face-to-face meetings with 3,997 people, the Petaluma Health Center is welcoming a slew of newly insured patients under the Affordable Care Act this month.
Of the nearly 4,000 who spoke with the health center's certified enrollment counselors about health insurance options, 558 local residents signed up for a plan using the state's health insurance marketplace, Covered California, between October and December. As many of these residents have not had health insurance previously, the health center is reaching out to introduce potential patients to the programs and services available in Petaluma.
"The Petaluma Health Center will be offering new patient orientations beginning Jan. 15 to welcome new patients and share all the services available to them," said Ciera Rudin, community relations manager for the health center.
During the orientations, which take place weekly, a new patient will have the chance to meet with a medical provider and a nurse, review their medical history and the medications they're currently prescribed, and schedule annual exams or other medical visits. It will be a time to fill out necessary paperwork, select their primary care physician and get a tour of the facility. In addition to the traditional health services, patients will learn about the wellness center and its workshops on healthy living, as well as the free fitness classes offered on site.
New patient orientations take place every Wednesday at 9 and 10 a.m. Appointments are required by calling 559-7500.
The health center also hosts regular resource clinics that deal with everything from health insurance to local rent assistance programs. Open to anyone, the clinics take place every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon at the Petaluma Health Center, 1179 N. McDowell Blvd.
(Contact Emily Charrier at emily.charrier@arguscourier.com)
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