The programs and publications listed below are health care resources, services and financial assistance information.
Health Insurance/Financial Assistance
Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, Department of Human Services (DHS)
This program provides eligible families with financial assistance to help them cover medical expenses that were previously incurred because their child became catastrophically ill or injured. Covered expenses include, but are not limited to, special ambulatory care, acute or specialized in- or out-patient hospital care, medical equipment, medically-related home modifications, home health care and medical transportation. Visit the web site at www.njcatastrophicfund.org for more information.
Charity Care Assistance, Department of Health (DOH)
Hospital care payment assistance is available to New Jersey residents who:
- Have no health coverage or have coverage that pays only for part of the bill; and
- Are ineligible for any private or governmental sponsored coverage (such as Medicaid); and
- Meet both the income and assets eligibility criteria.
For more information call the Program at (866) 588-5696 or visit the web site at www.nj.gov/health/charitycare/. A Fact Sheet in English can be found at www.nj.gov/health/charitycare/factsheet_en.shtml. For a Fact Sheet in Spanish, visit www.nj.gov/health/charitycare/factsheet_sp.shtml.
Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled, Department of Health (DOH)
Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled, known as HAAD, provides a $100 reimbursement to eligible persons who purchase a hearing aid. Those who are receiving Medicaid or have other insurance coverage or retirement benefits are NOT eligible. However, those who have limited or partial coverage may be eligible. For more information, call (800) 792-9745 or visit www.nj.gov/health/seniorbenefits/haaad.shtml.
Insurance Buyer’s Guides, Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI)
The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) publishes Buyer’s Guides for individual and small employer coverage. You may obtain a copy of the Buyer’s Guide for individuals and for small employers at (800) 263-5912. These are also available at DOBI’s web site at www.nj.gov/dobi/reform.htm.
Medicaid, Department of Human Services (DHS)
Medicaid provides health insurance to eligible low-income individuals, including families with children up to age 18, pregnant women, seniors, and the blind and disabled. To find out about eligibility, visit the web site at www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/clients/medicaid/, or contact your local Board of Social Services.
Medicare, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS)
For general information about Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov, the official U.S. government site for people with Medicare and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For information on managed care options for Medicare in New Jersey, call DOH, Division of Aging and Community Services, State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at (800) 792-8820 or (800) MEDICARE.
My Medicare.gov
Register at this web site to receive free, secure, online access to personalized information regarding your Medicare benefits and services.
NJ FamilyCare, Department of Human Services (DHS)
New Jersey FamilyCare is a federally and state funded program created to help New Jersey’s uninsured children 18 years old and younger have affordable health coverage. Eligibility is based on family size and monthly income. For some, NJ FamilyCare will be free while other families will pay a monthly premium based on their income and small co-payments for some services. Visit their web site at www.njfamilycare.org, or call (800) 701-0710 for further information.
Pharmaceutical Assistance, Department of Health (DOH)
This website, www.nj.gov/health/seniorbenefits/services.shtml, includes valuable information on healthcare services and pharmaceutical assistance for Seniors and for pharmaceutical providers. Some topics include: eligibility to state sponsored programs; PAAD/Senior Gold Resource Center, which provides pharmaceutical assistance to those receiving PAAD, Senior Gold and the Medicare prescription drug coverage; information on the Medicare Approved Discount Card; pharmaceutical assistance for those in need of HIV or AIDS medication; and assistance for qualified individuals to pay Medicare B premiums. Call (800) 792-9745 for more information.
Health Care Services and Information
Addictions
Addiction Hotline of New Jersey
The Center for Family Services’ Information Referral Program and Contact Community Helpline collaborated on a web site which offers information about drug abuse, including the effects of alcohol, a description of the New Jersey Access Initiative, and valuable links to related services and resources. This web site can be found at www.njdrughotline.org or call their Hotline at (800) 238-2333 for information, treatment, referrals, and crisis counseling for alcohol or drug addiction. Professional counselors are available 24/7 to assist both individuals and families.
Addiction Services, Department of Human Services (DHS)
Visit the NJ Substance Abuse Resource and Treatment Programs web site at www.nj.gov/humanservices/das/home/ for the locations and alphabetical or county listings of treatment agencies providing alcohol, drug abuse treatment, Medicare Plan D information, and other related services.
Gambler Hotline
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) is funded by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), and offers a Hotline, (800) GAMBLER or (800) 426-2537, available 24/7 for anyone affected by compulsive gambling. Information, education and referral services can also be found at their web site, www.800gambler.org, or visit them at 3635 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 7, Hamilton, New Jersey, 08619. To reach their office, call (609) 588-5515, Monday through Friday, from 9 to 5.
Intoxicated Driving Program, Department of Human Services, (DHS)
Those convicted of an alcohol or drug-related traffic or boating offense in New Jersey must satisfy the requirements of the Intoxicated Driving Program (IDP) and of the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) run by DHS’ Addiction Services Program. For more information, call (609) 588-3547 or write to: Intoxicated Driving Program; PO Box 365, Trenton; New Jersey 08625-0365, or visit the web site at www.nj.gov/humanservices/das/treatment/idp/.
Oxford House
This addiction service is an international not-for-profit organization with approximately 75 group recovery homes established throughout New Jersey. Residents are recovering from drug or alcohol related addictions. Call them at (800) 689-6411 or visit the web at www.njoxfordhouse.org for a listing of their locations.
Tobacco Control, Department of Health (DOH)
To help stop smoking, New Jersey’s Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program (CTCP) offers three different approaches.
- Services over the Internet are found at Quitnet and Quitline and are free to New Jersey residents.
- Counseling can be obtained over the toll-free smoking cessation Hotline, (866) NJ-STOPS or (866) 657-8677.
- In person counseling is offered through the Quitcenters, which are provided on a sliding fee scale and are located throughout the State.
These programs work in cooperation with one another, using the service that is best suited for the individual. The CTCP also coordinates the efforts of anti-tobacco youth groups throughout the State. www.NJREBEL.com (Reaching Everyone By Exposing Lies) is New Jersey's youth-led grassroots anti-tobacco movement with local chapters in all 21 counties.
AIDS
Consumer Catalogue: HIV/AIDS, Department of Health (DOH)
The NJDOH Division of AIDS Prevention and Education has produced a consumer catalogue of resources on AIDS prevention and control. Material is organized by targeted audience, such as adults, youth, adolescence, women, men who have sex with men, and intravenous drug users. The catalogue can be accessed at: www.nj.gov/health/aids/literature.shtml, or call (609) 984-6050 for a copy of the catalogue.
HIV Care Network
The New Jersey Statewide Family Centered HIV Care Network is a statewide group of organizations and individuals committed to preventing transmission of the HIV infection from mother to child during the mother’s pregnancy (perinatal stage), and providing comprehensive care for women, their partners, and children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. To obtain a list of web sites for free and anonymous HIV testing, home care services, health care services, medication assistance programs and emotional support services, visit www.njfamilyhivaids.org.
Asthma
Asthma Information and Resources, Department of Health (DOH)
This web site, www.nj.gov/health/fhs/asthma/, created by the DOH Asthma Program, gives basic information on asthma programs and resources in New Jersey, including information on work-related asthma and pediatric asthma.
National Asthma Control Program, CDC
This web site, www.cdc.gov/asthma/, includes a variety of asthma related information that supports the Program's goal to reduce the number of deaths, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, school or work days missed, and limitations on activity due to asthma.
Cancer
American Cancer Society
Research a specific cancer topic, read the latest news, link to clinical trials, view cancer statistics and find support. www.cancer.org
Cancer Initiatives, Department of Health (DOH)
This web site, www.nj.gov/health/cancer, provides information on cancer resources, research, data, treatment and prevention from state and federal sources.
MyBiopsy.org
Pathologists, physicians who study tissues and cells to identify and diagnose cancer and other diseases, have developed this web site, which contains patient information on a variety of cancer and cancer-related diseases.
Office of Cancer Control and Prevention, Department of Health (DOH)
To obtain more information on various types of cancer or to locate cancer resources in a particular NJ county, visit www.njcancer.gov.
Cancer Resources, Department of Health (DOH) On this web site, http://nj.gov/health/ccr/patientresources.shtml, you will find information about clinical trials and hospitals that conduct them. Included on the site is the Resource Book for Cancer Patients in New Jersey published by the Joint Psychosocial and Nursing Advisory Group to The New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research. This book identifies some of the issues a cancer patient might confront, and lists the location of the support groups and resources a patient may need. For further information or to order copies of this book, call (609) 631-4747, email them at NJCCR@doh.state.nj.us, or write to the New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research, 3635 Quakerbridge Road, PO Box 369, Trenton, NJ 08625-0369
National Cancer Institute
This site includes comprehensive information on all types of cancer, clincal trials/research, and specific topics about cancer. Call (800) 4-CANCER or visit www.cancer.gov.
Diabetes
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
The ADA provides research, information, and advocacy on diabetes in their quest to prevent and cure the disease. Their site at www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/ offers information, links, and services for diabetes.
Diabetes Prevention and Control, Department of Health (DOH)
Consumer friendly information is provided at www.nj.gov/health/diabetes/. You can also call them at (609) 984-6137.
Diabetes and Me
Find basic information on diabetes and its complications, along with tips on how to be active, eat right, and prevent diabetes at this Centers for Disease Control web site www.cdc.gov/diabetes/consumer/.
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC)
This comprehensive site, diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/, includes information on diabetes treatment, statistics, clinical trials, links to other sites such as the National Diabetes Education Program, resources and publications, complications of diabetes, and diabetes topics from A to Z. It also includes information in Spanish.
Heart
Cardiac Surgery in New Jersey, Department of Health (DOH)
This report compares inpatient death rates for the NJ hospitals and the physicians performing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. For a copy of the most recent report, go to www.nj.gov/health/healthcarequality/cardiacsurgery.shtml#CSR.
Heart Health
The American Heart Association’s web site, www.americanheart.org, offers a wide range of information on cardiovascular and stroke topics. You can also call them at (800) 242-8721.
Lungs
Healthy Lungs
The American Lung Association provides strategies to prevent lung disease. These include fighting asthma, quitting smoking, promoting environmental health, and providing research findings. Visit the web site at www.lungusa.org.
Mental Health
Mental Health Services, Department of Human Services (DHS)
The Division of Mental Health Services serves adults with serious and persistent mental illnesses, and children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders. To find out more information on their services, including the six State psychiatric facilities, screening centers, county mental health centers, and other useful resources, visit www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhs/.
Preventive Care and General Information
A Guide to Choosing Quality Health Care: Choosing a Doctor
The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has devised a check list to help determine the most important criteria in choosing a doctor and how to check on the doctor's skills, knowledge, and the quality of care provided. This checklist can be accessed at www.ahrq.gov/consumer/qnt/qntdr.htm.
A Guide to Choosing Quality Health Care: Choosing a Hospital
The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has devised a worksheet to help determine the most important criteria in choosing a hospital. This checklist can be accessed at www.ahrq.gov/consumer/qnt/qnthosp.htm.
A Guide to Choosing Quality Health Care: Choosing Treatment
It is very important to work closely with your doctor when treatment decisions need to be made. Make sure your doctor knows your questions, concerns, and preferences. The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has provided a list of some possible questions to ask your physician at www.ahrq.gov/consumer/qnt/qnttreat.htm.
AHRQ’s Guides to Good Health
The Agency for Health Care Quality and Research (AHRQ) has published several preventive care booklets that provide tips and recommendations on health habits, screening tests, and immunizations. Copies can be obtained by contacting the AHRQ at (800) 358-9295, or by writing to them at: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Publications Clearinghouse, PO Box 8547, Silver Spring, MD 20907. The booklets can also be found on the web site:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
In its role as the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of the public, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides credible information to enhance health decisions on disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities at www.cdc.gov.
Everyday Choices for a Healthier Life Style
This web site is a joint initiative between The American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association. It provides information on healthy lifestyles to prevent diseases and early detection. Topics such as being physically active, eating right, not smoking, diabetes risks, cardiovascular risks, and seeing your doctor can be found at www.everydaychoices.org.
Having Surgery? What You Need to Know
The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has produced a list of possible questions to ask your surgeon before having the operation: www.ahrq.gov/consumer/surgery/surgery.htm.
HealthierUs.gov
The HealthierUS initiative is a national effort to prevent and reduce the costs of disease, and promote community health and wellness. HealthierUS.gov teaches how to make physical activity a daily routine, eat more healthy foods, and avoid health risks.
Health Data Fact Sheets, Department of Health (DOH)
NJDOH’ Center for Health Statistics has developed a list of fact sheets for New Jersey on selected health topics. Fact sheets are organized alphabetically by topic and can be found at www.nj.gov/health/chs/monthlyobs.shtml.
Healthfinder.gov
This website provides reliable consumer health information from the Federal Government and other participating organizations.
Health News Review
Consumers can find accuracy ratings for health care news published by top newspapers, magazines and other media outlets at www.HealthNewsReview.org. This web site is intended to improve the information the public receives.
Joint Commission
The Joint Commission is an independent not-for-profit organization which evaluates health care organizations and provides other consumer-friendly information at www.jointcommission.org. Find accredited hospitals, disease specific hospitals for treatment, and learn how to find reliable health information on the internet. Also, check the web site for important tips on preventing wrong site surgery; a listing of five key elements in making health care decisions; and questions to ask when selecting a healthcare setting.
Medline Plus
Based on authoritative information from the National Library of Medicine, the National Institute of Health and from other government agencies and health related organizations, Medline Plus provides information and definitions on various health conditions, health news, clinical trials, and medicines at www.medlineplus.gov.
New Jersey HealthLink
Visit www.nj.gov/njhealthlink for access to valuable healthcare information. Search using the A to Z list, the search engine, or by general topic.
New Jersey HMO Performance Report, Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI)
NJDOBI produces annual HMO reports containing useful information on choosing a health plan, including a comparison of the performance of NJ's managed care plans and how consumers rate them. Visit www.nj.gov/dobi/lhactuar.htm#HMOReports for a copy of the report.
PatientInform.Org
This web site, www.PatientInform.org, is a free online service that provides access to up-to-date research about the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases. This site is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Association for Cancer Research, and a wide range of health care publishers.
Physician Information, New Jersey Health Care Profile, Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA)
This web site provides information about the State’s currently licensed physicians and podiatrists, including a doctor's education, training, and medical practice. Other information includes the language(s) the doctor speak(s), whether or not the doctor’s office is handicap accessible, whether a physician or podiatrist has been the subject of disciplinary actions, or whether he or she has made malpractice payments in the last five years. Go to www.NJdoctorlist.com.
U.S. Surgeon General’s Family History Initiative
This web site at www.hhs.gov/familyhistory/ enables families to collect information about their family health history before visiting a health care professional. My Family Health Portrait tool is available in both English and Spanish.
Primary Care Services
Family Health Services, Department of Health (DOH)
The Division of Family Health Services administers programs that enhance the health, safety and well-being of New Jersey families and communities. The Family Health Line can help locate health information and services. Call (800) 328-3838. This free hotline operates 24/7. Trained telephone counselors provide information and referrals for health screening and treatment.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)
The FQHCs provide health care to low income State residents. The comprehensive community-based primary health care services of each center are tailored to the physical, psychosocial, nutritional, and health educational needs of their communities. There are 17 community health centers with sixty-six satellite sites including locations in public school clinics throughout Atlantic, Camden, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Passaic, Salem, Monmouth, and Union Counties. A list of the FQHCs can be found at www.nj.gov/health/fhs/cphc/. For a booklet on the FQHCs and their locations, call the New Jersey Primary Care Association, Inc. at (609) 689 9933, or write to them at 3836 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 201, Hamilton, New Jersey 08619.
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Department of Health (DOH)
This program services pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children from families with insufficient income and who are at special physical and mental health risk due to inadequate nutrition and/or primary health care. The program provides supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, immunization screening, and health care referrals. Enrollment is open to all eligible applicants. Call (866) 446-5942 for additional information and locations of the 18 local agencies, or visit www.nj.gov/health/fhs/wic/.
Seniors
AARP Health
Provides information on drugs, insurance, contains a Symptom Checker, a health encyclopedia, and a way to locate a hospital or doctor in your area. www.aarp.org/health
Healthy Aging for Older Adults
The Healthy Aging for Older Adults Website, www.cdc.gov/aging, provides information on a wide range of topics including: Health-Related Behaviors Chronic Diseases, Infectious Diseases, Immunizations for Adults, and Injuries Among Older Adults. It is sponsored by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
Medicare Preventive Services
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) lists preventive services covered by Medicare at www.medicare.gov/health/overview.asp. The site also lists their publications on various conditions. Specific information on your Medicare benefits, eligibility, enrollment (including prescription drug plans) and more preventive health information can be found at www.mymedicare.gov. The main Medicare website, www.medicare.gov, provides links to general information about Medicare benefits, prescriptions, publications, hospital and physician information. Hard copies of documents can also be obtained by calling (800) Medicare.
NIH SeniorHealth.gov
This website contains a wide range of information for older adults, on many health topics including: Alzheimer's Disease, Arthritis, Balance Problems, Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Diabetes, Exercise for Older Adults, Hearing Loss, Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Taking Medicines, and many more. The site was developed by the National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine, both part of the National Institutes of Health.
NJ EASE, Department of Health (DOH)
New Jersey Easy Access, Single Entry, commonly called NJ Ease, is an easy way for seniors and their families to get information about and access to senior services. The one toll-free telephone number connects the caller to someone who will provide information on important programs and benefits for seniors, including information on healthcare. The toll free number is (877) 222-3737.
Staying Healthy at 50+
Guides to healthy habits, screening tests, and immunizations can be found in these booklets published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ):
You can also call them at (800) 358-9295, or write to them at: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Publications Clearinghouse, PO Box 8547, Silver Spring, MD 20907.
Talking With Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People
This National Institutes of Health booklet suggests ways to discuss health concerns, medicines and issues important to older people. To obtain a free copy, call (301) 222-2225; (800) 222-4225, go to their web site at www.niapublications.org/pubs/talking/index.asp, or write to them at: National Institutes on Aging Information Center, Building 31, Room 5C27, 31 Center Drive MSC 2292, Bethesda, MD 20892-2292.
Using Medications Wisely
Partner with your doctor and pharmacist to become your own medication manager. The American Association for Retired People (AARP) has developed this web site, www.aarp.org/health/usingmeds, which lists free resources to manage your medication and provides a Personal Medication Record in both English and Spanish.
Stroke
National Stroke Association
Learn about the signs of a stroke, the risk factors, prevention measures, or find a NJ stroke center at www.stroke.org.
Other
Clinical Trials
Contains a registry of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and around the world. Gives you information about a trial's purpose, qualifications to participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details. www.clinicaltrials.gov
Regional Hospital Quality Reports
Other State Reports
The importance of rating hospitals on the quality of care they are delivering patients has influenced the nation. Many other states have written their own hospital quality report cards. To see how the hospitals in our neighboring states are performing, select one of the links below:
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