#KnoxKnowsHealth

Medicaid
Our mission at Knox County Community Health Center reads “We are committed to the health of the community by promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing illness, and protecting the community.”

We take an active role in your health journey and accepting Medicaid is a huge part of this journey. Did you qualify for Medicaid? It is available not just for older adults but infants, children, young adults, pregnant women, and those with disabilities? Medicaid is the primary program providing comprehensive coverage of health care, long-term services, and support to millions of people with low income in the U.S.

Here at the Knox County Community Health Center, we provide access to care and offer low cost, quality services for individuals who qualify. We even offer oral surgery, however; patients must have a referral from a dentist. We provide medical care for all ages from pediatric to geriatric, including Women's Health. We never turn a patient away due to their inability to pay.

We believe that health care is vital to all people in our community and by being a preferred provider for Medicaid, we meet the needs of all people in our community.

Questions About Medicaid?

If you are new to Medicaid, deciding if it is right for you, or just have questions, head to the Ohio Department of Medicaid to get answers to some of your questions.

Some of the most common ones are:

• How do I know if I am eligible for Medicaid?
• What information is needed to apply for Medicaid?
• How can I sign up for Medicaid?
• How can I check the status of my application?
• How do I add my newborn to the Medicaid case?
• How do I arrange transportation?
• How do I complete the renewal process?

As always, our dedicated staff can help you navigate the process, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our Health Center staff can also help you.

Medicaid Managed Care Plans

Which managed care plan is yours? Did you know we accept all these plans here at Knox County Community Health Center? As a preferred provider, and endorsed by these plans, we are here for you.

• AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, Inc.
• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
• Buckeye Health Plan
• CareSource Ohio, Inc.
• Humana Healthy Horizons in Ohio
• Medina Healthcare of Ohio, inc.
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio, Inc.

Now that you see all these plan providers, why haven’t you found your way to us yet?

Benefits of Using Medicaid for Your Family:

There are many benefits to Medicaid, and we are here for your medical needs.

Come in and get the care you need, including:

• Treatment of illness such as earaches, colds, sore throats, sinus infections
• Management of chronic disease such as diabetes
• Physical exams for work, school, and sports
• Well-child exams
• Immunizations for children and adults including shots for influenza, pneumonia, hepatitis A and B and shingles
• Women’s health including pregnancy tests and pap tests
• Blood pressure screenings, TB testing, tetanus shots, STD testing
• Dental care for children and adults
• Counseling services and treatment
• Tobacco cessation treatment
• Nutrition counseling
• Substance abuse treatment
• Transportation

Sliding Pay Scale:

While we take most commercial insurance plans, as well as Medicaid and Medicare, we never turn anyone away due to their inability to pay. We offer a discounted sliding fee scale based on the patient’s household size and income.

We are your Community Health Center and will work tirelessly to give you the best care possible, while respecting your privacy. Please come see us at any of our locations.

Let’s celebrate family medicine care - it’s what our Nurse Practitioners do best! Since iIt’s National Primary Care Week, we want to spotlight the importance of primary care. 

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Cholesterol—do you understand what it is and why it matters to your health? At Knox County
Community Health Center, our practitioners care about your health. Understanding what
cholesterol is and how you can take charge of your heart health is important!

What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body. It is essential for your health. It
helps make hormones, aids in the digestion of fatty foods, and builds cells. It travels through
your bloodstream in two main forms: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density
lipoprotein). LDL is commonly called “bad” cholesterol and high levels of LDL can lead to heart
disease.
      LDL Cholesterol is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol
particles from your liver to the cells. High levels of LDL can lead to the buildup of plaque
in the arteries, which increases the risk of heart disease.
      HDL Cholesterol is known as the “good” cholesterol. It carries cholesterol away from
your arteries and back to the liver for removal from your body, which lowers your risk of
heart disease.

Take Charge of Your Heart Health!
Now that we know what cholesterol is and how it functions in your body, here are some
practical steps you can take to take charge of your heart health:
      Eat a Balanced Diet. A heart-healthy diet is needed to fight against high cholesterol.
Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats
like those found in nuts, avocados, and olive oil. Limit fried foods and saturated fats.
      Eat Fiber. Fiber, found in foods like beans, oats, lentils, and fruits, can help lower LDL
cholesterol levels.
      Exercise. Cardio and weight-bearing exercise helps your body in many ways, including
cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each
week (walking or running briskly, swimming, cycling, weights).
      Watch your Weight. A healthy weight can lead to better cholesterol levels. Excess
weight, especially around the belly area, is often associated with higher LDL cholesterol.
      Limit your sugar. Especially those found in sugary drinks, desserts, and processed
foods.
      Healthy fats. Move to eating healthy fats, like salmon, nuts, seeds, olive oil, full fat
dairy, coconut and coconut oil, eggs, avocados, cheese, and chia seeds.
      Smoking and Alcohol. Limit alcohol to no more than two drinks for men and one drink for women, per
day (or less). Stop smoking, as it damages blood vessels, reduces HDL levels, and
increases the risk for heart disease.
      Cholesterol Testing. Get your cholesterol levels tested every 5 years or yearly if you
have any risk factors.

Understanding cholesterol and its role in your body is the first step to taking better care of your
heart health. Eating a balanced diet, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and other
changes can keep your cholesterol levels in check. As always, our practitioners are here to help
you on your health journey. Your heart will thank you!

 

 

A family favorite:
2/3 cup butter (room temperature)
2/3 cup Crisco stick
1/3 cup sugar
13/4 cup packed brown sugar (I like dark brown sugar)
Cream together until smooth and well mixed
Add and mix thoroughly to above mixture
2 eggs (room temperature)
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Mix together in a small bowl and add until mixed (but don’t overmix)
3 ½ to 4 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cornstarch
1 tsp salt
Add 1 bag of chocolate chip to the mixture
Chill dough for several hours or overnight.
Roll into balls and put on ungreased or parchment covered baking sheet.
Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes; remove to wire
racks to cool completely. Store in airtight container.

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