November 2019
Florida Medicaid Open Enrollment Coming Soon!
Dec 1 – Jan 31
Pensacola, Florida (November 14, 2019) – Lighthouse Health Plan announced today that there will be a state-wide Medicaid Open Enrollment Period, a time in which Medicaid recipients may change health care plans without a state approved “good cause” reason. According to the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), the state agency that manages the Florida Medicaid program, plan changes will need to be made by the last day of the open enrollment period for the enrollee’s region. 
 
Open Enrollment is December 1, 2019 through January 31, 2020 for Medicaid Regions 1 and 2, which is comprised of Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla, and Washington counties.
 
While individuals may seek Medicaid coverage throughout the year, based on need and qualifications, Open Enrollment for Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program now happens once a year for all current recipients during the same period, and according to their region, according to AHCA . This Open Enrollment period will take place regardless of when they first became eligible, were assigned to a plan, or voluntarily joined a plan, according to the recent change of policy by AHCA.
 
Enrolling in a plan is done by going online to the Florida Medicaid Choice Counselor’s website here , calling the 24/7 Automated Phone System with a Medicaid PIN at 1-877-711-3662, or calling the Medicaid Choice Counselors at 1-877-711-3662 Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. TDD users ONLY call 1-866-467-4970.
 
Applying for and qualifying for Medicaid is managed by the Department of Children and Families. Applications are made in person, online, or by phone. To locate a Florida Access Service Center, visit their website . To find a community partner, visit this link . To apply online, go to Access Florida . To contact DCF by phone: 850-300-4323, Florida Relay 711 or TTY 1-800-955-8771.
Toiletry Drive to Benefit Teens in Hurricane Affected Areas

Lighthouse has partnered with Simply Self Esteem, a non-profit aimed at helping teens with basic needs in Bay, Holmes, and Washington Counties. Why? In general, the second  leading causes of death among adolescents ages 15 to 19 in the United States is suicide, according to the CDC.

We will be collecting toiletries until Dec 2. Items needed are hygiene and personal items, including tooth brushes, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, and deodorant.

Allison Smith, founder of Simply Self Esteem, remembered shopping a Christmas list for a girl she had sponsored one year. On the list were pretty jewelry, nice clothes, and a toothbrush. Toothbrush? Believe it or not, teens in our service area lack the basic needs needed for health and self-confidence.

Lighthouse Hosted Pensacola Chamber Greeters Last Week

Lighthouse was the proud host of November's Greeters, a true networking experience with the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce.

Light breakfast was provided by
Jason's Deli and Mrs. Jones Cold Brew Coffee.

A brief presentation was made by Lighthouse and Simply Self Esteem.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO:
View more images from this event at our Facebook page at this link.
Meet Nelly Emerson, Community Health Worker
We are pleased to introduce you to Nelly Emerson, Community Health Worker, who started with Lighthouse in October 2018.

Nelly graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Pensacola State College. She is currently working on her master’s degree in Public health from University of West Florida. Prior to joining to Lighthouse Health Plan, Nelly worked as a social services coordinator for a Santa Rosa County non-profit for two years where she case managed individual and families. She helped them become self-sufficient by linking them to community resources and government program benefits. About 95% of Nelly’s case managed clients graduated/discharged successfully.
Nelly was also a health insurance program navigator for one and half years, covering Region 1 and Bay County, where she partnered with community organization leaders, raised awareness at community events, and educated people about health insurance programs such as Medicaid, Florida Healthy Kids, and Affordable Healthcare.

As a Community Health Worker with Lighthouse, Nelly reaches out to our vulnerable members and engages them in programs to address social determinants of health to overcome barriers and assist members with achieving better health outcomes. She is a true member advocate who always goes above and beyond to meet members where they are and assisting them in reaching their goals.

Nelly is passionate helping others overcome challenges and be successful of their health goals. Nelly is a mom of 4 beautiful children where she always shares her experience and expertise to members participates with Lighthouse Health Plan Pregnancy Care Program.

 Her favorite quote is, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” by Gandhi.
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