Overview
To help make sure that insurance barriers do not keep New Yorkers from the substance use disorder and mental health care they need, New York State created the behavior health ombuds office in 2018.
Shortly after the Community Health Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Project (CHAMP) was created. CHAMP operates a statewide helpline and partners with local organizations in order to help patients, caretakers, providers, and anyone else who is facing issues accessing care because of their insurance.
The services are ALWAYS FREE and ALWAYS CONFIDENTIAL
Regardless of the type of insurance, even if you have no insurance, CHAMP will help you navigate the insurance issue you are facing.
How Does CHAMP Work?
CHAMP is a joint effort between of the Office of Addiction Services and Supports and the Office of Mental Health and as such has access to the resources available to both offices.
CHAMP is a community focused project and was established in partnership with community-based organizations, including Community Service Society, Legal Action Center, the New York State Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, and the Medicare Rights Center.
We have partnered with nine local nonprofits throughout the state to make sure that we have a direct connection to programs and care available near you.
Anyone can call our helpline. There are no requirements or qualifications.
How Can CHAMP Help?
CHAMP is here to help individuals and their families resolve issues in accessing substance use disorder and mental health services created by their health insurance or lack of insurance.
We can help investigate and resolve insurance denials and advocate for you and your rights. We can help with navigating your options within your insurance network for care as well as your options if your insurance doesn’t have in network coverage.
We can help figure out if your insurance is following the law and assist with filing complaints with the proper government agency if they are not.
CHAMP is here to answer your questions about your insurance rights.
If you are unsure about if CHAMP is right for you, call and we will do our best to help.
Contact CHAMP
Call 888-614-5400, Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. / Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
or
email [email protected]