Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
a documented entertainer, you can take advantage of the
Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic
(
212/489-1939
).
Civilians on small budgets can also look into the
Rock Dove Collective
(
www.rockdovecollective.org
), which
matches up health practitioners with folks of a mutual aid mind. On the mental health front,
TherapySafetyNet
(
www.therapysafetynet.org
)
connects a screened selection of psychologists and social workers with patients not
covered by insurance plans. Affordable dentists, shrinks, and acupuncturists can also be tracked down for bodies
on budgets.
Health Insurance
Folks with cushy jobs can expect to see insurance on their laundry list of benefits. With more and more arts and
media freelancers in the marketplace, however, it's easy to find oneself without coverage. The
Freelancers Union
and
Working Today
(
800/856-9981;
www.freelancersunion.org
) have combined to garner some of the bulk-
rate buying power of a corporation. Even with a high deductible (like $10K high, ugh), the lowest you can go is
$225 per month, and that's just for an individual. For $345 a month you can get a better deductible and copay
arrangement, although it's still no bargain. The program is for artists and media types, leaving out our chef and
waitress friends.
Healthy New York
is New York State's program for lower-income residents who earn too much
for Medicaid. If you work and make less than $27,924 a year (individual) or $37,824 (couple), you may be able to
take advantage of this plan. The premiums in Manhattan range from $227 to $330, without drug coverage, de-
pending on which HMO you sign up with. High Deductible Health Plans and Health Savings Accounts are two
other options. Log on to
www.healthyny.com
for call
866/HEALTHY-NY
(432-5849) for more info. Hopefully
the Affordable Care Act, which is set to bring affordable insurance exchanges to the states by 2014, will bring
costs down.
Health Clinics
New York's clinics tend to target specific constituencies. Though they may specialize in helping the indigent, or
the HIV-positive, the clinics make it a policy not to discriminate against anyone. Even if you're uninsured, you
can get some attention in places other than the city's emergency rooms. The
U.S. Department of Health and
Human Resources
has a useful website (
www.hrsa.gov
) that will show you affordable health centers for any zip
code.
Callen-Lorde Community Health Center
This primary care center caters to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender) community, but makes a point to be open to all. The general medicine and health and wellness pro-
grams are charged on a sliding scale.
356 W. 18th St., btw. Eighth and Ninth aves.
212/271-7200.
www.callen-lorde.org
.
Subway: A/C/E to 14th St.; L to Eighth Ave.; 1 to 18th St.
David J. Ores, M.D.
Many a Lower East Sider, including your humble correspondent, is grateful to general prac-
titioner Dr. Dave for his attentive care and humane prices. Dr. Dave's tiny clinic serves the neighborhood with a
nod to the uninsured. Prices have crept up a little in recent years, but the scale still slides, and Dr. Dave always
treats his patients fairly. Call first for an appointment.
189 E. 2nd St., btw. aves. A and B.
212/353-3020.
www.davidjoresmd.org
.
Subway: F to Second Ave.; J/M/Z to Essex St.
Gay Men's Health Crisis
Dedicated to slowing the spread of HIV and to helping out those already affected, this
organization offers a host of services for the HIV-positive community. Healthcare is provided on a sliding scale
basis, and there are also workshops, seminars, and even free legal and tax services. STD and HIV testing is free
as well. The GMHC Helpline is open for calls Tuesday 2 to 5pm, Wednesday from 10am to 2pm, and Friday from
2 until 6pm.
446 W. 33rd St., at Tenth Ave.
800/AIDS-NYC
(243-7692).
www.gmhc.org
. For other information, the main office line is
212/367-1000. Sub-
way: A/C/E to 34th St./Penn Station.
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
The city operates 10 clinics in all five bor-
oughs that offer free testing and treatment for STDs and HIV. They also follow up with no-cost counseling. Wait
times can be on the long side, so show up before the clinic opens or bring a good book and make sure you've
