Plattsburgh, NY - Providing valuable information, resources and guidance, the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) Financial Advocates are helping families make informed, affordable health care decisions.

“The cost of health insurance continues to rise, and we’re seeing more individuals and families struggling to understand their coverage options and eligibility. Our Financial Advocates can play a critical role in helping people navigate this complex system and access the care their need without accumulating unnecessary medical debt,” said Melissa LaMountain, Regional Director of Patient Access.

Each Wednesday from 7:30 am to 4 pm, Financial Advocates provide guidance, information and assistance at the CVPH Diagnostic Center located at 89 Plaza Blvd.  Anyone in need of insurance coverage or assistance paying medical bills incurred at CVPH, Alice Hyde Medical Center or Elizabethtown Community Hospital, the Northern New York partners of the University of Vermont Health Network, is encouraged to stop by. Notary services are also available to walk in clients. No appointment is necessary and clients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Finding health insurance that meets your needs and your budget can be challenging. We work hard to be accessible to anyone with questions and people looking for information about what they may qualify for and how to apply,” explained Vernice Finch, Financial Advocate Supervisor. She added that financial advocates can meet with patients at the bedside to help ease worry about payment during an inpatient stay. They also help new moms enroll their babies into insurance plans. Every advocate is available to provide notary services, too.

The team of specialists is also available by appointment on the CVPH Main Campus at 75 Beekman St. by calling 518-562-7075.

“Even if you have insurance, costs like deductibles or services that are not fully covered and can add up quickly, offered LaMountain. “Navigating health insurance, especially now with new eligibility requirements and increased cost can be daunting. Our team is knowledgeable, resourceful and eager to help.”

Learn more about billing, insurance and financial assistance at the University of Vermont Health Network here.

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About University of Vermont Health Network
University of Vermont Health Network is an integrated system serving the residents of Vermont and northern New York with a shared mission: working together, we improve people’s lives. The partners are:

• University of Vermont Medical Center
• University of Vermont Health Network Medical Group
• University of Vermont Health Network – Alice Hyde Medical Center
• University of Vermont Health Network – Central Vermont Medical Center
• University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
• University of Vermont Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital
• University of Vermont Health Network – Porter Medical Center
• University of Vermont Health Network – Home Health & Hospice

Our 4,000 health care professionals are driven to provide high-quality, cost-efficient care as close to home as possible. Strengthened by our academic connection to University of Vermont, each of our affiliates remains committed to its local community by providing compassionate, personal care shaped by the latest medical advances and delivered by highly skilled experts.