Health Coverage For Low-Income Residents In Central Texas Offered

AUSTIN, TX — In response to the new coronavirus outbreak, Central Health has launched an online application for low-income residents to seek health coverage, officials said Friday.

Access to health care is available via the Medical Access Program (MAP) and MAP BASIC. Available now. As a result, officials said, Travis County residents can apply for health coverage from the safety of their homes at apply4map.net.

“Since March 1, MAP enrollment has been increasing and we want to make sure everyone has access to coverage, especially during a time like this," Central Health Senior Director of Eligibility Services Kit Abney Spelce said. "Adding an online application option will help ensure Travis County residents are able to apply for MAP and receive care."

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in the Austin area. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily

The offerings are especially useful after Austin and Travis County issued stay-at-home orders on March 24, Central Health officials suggested. Partially as a result of the orders, officials added, more people applied for MAP coverage in March than any prior month this fiscal year. There are currently more than 64,000 individuals enrolled in MAP and MAP BASIC — an 8 percent increase since March 1 — Central Health offiicials reported.

“Travis County residents with low income and who are uninsured can apply for MAP or MAP BASIC 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online,” Spelce said. “Based on current patient population data, we understand many eligible applicants access the internet through a smartphone or other mobile device. Through this new process, applicants can answer questions, submit documents, and complete the entire eligibility process from the web browser on their mobile devices, or any internet-connected computer."

Officials described the application process: Once an application is submitted, staff review it for any missing documentation and follow up with the applicant if necessary, process the application, and then mail an enrollment card and program information to the individual. There is no need for applicants to attend an in-person interview.

Residents also can apply for coverage over the phone by calling (512) 978-8130 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. All MAP and MAP BASIC members whose coverage expired as of March 15 or will expire between now and May 31 have been given automatic re-enrollment for an additional 90 days of coverage.

For more information about the automatic renewal process or to apply for health care services, call (512) 978-8130.

About Central Health

Central Health is the local public agency that connects Travis County residents with low income to quality health care. We work with a network of partners to eliminate health disparities and reach our vision of Travis County becoming a model healthy community.