MetroHealth Launches Community-Wide Initiative to Expand Access to Health Coverage

CLEVELAND – To preserve its essential role as Greater Cleveland’s safety-net hospital and improve healthcare access, The MetroHealth System is launching a community-wide initiative to help uninsured individuals enroll in health coverage through Medicare, Medicaid or the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov.

The effort comes as MetroHealth continues to absorb more than $1 million each day in charity care costs – an unsustainable trend that underscores the need for broader access to insurance. The costs of charity care have doubled since 2022, and funding generated by the Health and Human Services Levy in Cuyahoga County covers only about 10% of the uncompensated care MetroHealth provides each year.

“We are proud of our legacy of compassion and access,” said MetroHealth President and CEO Christine Alexander-Rager, MD. “To continue delivering high-quality care to everyone who walks through our doors, we must help our uninsured neighbors access the coverage they deserve. This initiative reflects MetroHealth’s unwavering promise: to care for our community with compassion, dignity and respect.”

Connecting Residents with Coverage

MetroHealth is partnering with local organizations, faith communities and neighborhood groups to reach uninsured residents and guide them through the insurance enrollment process.

Open Enrollment at HealthCare.gov begins November 1, and coverage for those enrolled by December 15 will begin on January 1, 2026. Plans on the Marketplace offer subsidies based on income and provide essential health benefits with no denials for pre-existing conditions.

Individuals who need help enrolling can call 216-MY-METRO (216-696-3876), Option 5, or visit metrohealth.org/coverage for assistance.

MetroHealth Total Care Connection

As part of its outreach efforts, MetroHealth is launching MetroHealth Total Care Connection – an initiative to deliver personalized care and support to the neighborhoods it serves. This effort includes three upcoming Health and Enrollment Fairs where community members can receive health screenings, schedule appointments, engage with MetroHealth’s Financial Assistance Team and get help enrolling in health insurance.

Upcoming Events:

• Saturday, November 15 | Broadway Health Center, 6835 Broadway Ave., Cleveland
• Saturday, December 13 | MetroHealth Main Campus, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland
• Saturday, January 10, 2026 | Parma Ukrainian Parish & Banquet Hall, 6812 Broadview Road, Parma
  (All events 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

To register, visit metrohealth.org/mtcc.

More Than Financial Assistance

MetroHealth recently updated and renamed its financial assistance policy. The new Healthcare Access and Assistance Plan better aligns with available public resources. These changes ensure that charity care is preserved for those with no other options, while encouraging those eligible for coverage to take advantage of it.

Key Highlights:

• Patients must engage with MetroHealth’s financial counselors to qualify for financial assistance. Patients will receive a self-pay discount of 65% unless and until they engage with MetroHealth’s financial eligibility team.
• Cuyahoga County residents earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level annually ($39,125 for an individual and $80,375 for a family of four) will retain a 100% discount if they engage with MetroHealth’s financial eligibility team.
• Cuyahoga County residents who have engaged the financial team and who earn between 251% and 300% of the federal poverty level will see their discount reduced from 100% to 75%.
• Cuyahoga County residents who have engaged the financial team and who earn between 301% and 400% of the federal poverty level will see their discount reduced from 75% to 70%.

“This plan envisions a new partnership between the healthcare system, our patients and the wider community,” said E. Harry Walker, MD, Chair of MetroHealth’s Board of Trustees. “This board appreciates the many partners, especially in the faith community, who have already come forward and promised to help our patients navigate the complex process of enrolling in appropriate insurance. Working together, I believe we can build and sustain a healthier community.”