A new health hotline for North Carolina’s Spanish-speaking population has been launched: N.C. Salud.
For years, accessing reliable information about Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and other medical options has been a challenge for non-native English speakers, especially for those in rural parts of the state. The new hotline, established by Hispanic Federation North Carolina, provides that entry point to Spanish-speaking individuals and families, connecting callers directly with bilingual navigators.
Program Manager Saraí Serrano says N.C. Salud is dispelling myths that have long existed in the broader Spanish-speaking community about health care access.
"Significant fear surrounds the public charge rule and its implementation for immigrants attempting to adjust their status as they apply for health insurance," Serrano says. "Also, many people assume that they do not qualify for health insurance automatically."
Serrano says the best way to determine eligibility is to apply or speak with a navigator, using the hotline. Services include bilingual assistance with Medicaid applications and directions to free and low-cost medical services available in the caller’s county of residence.
N.C. Salud can be reached by calling 1-844-438-6827.