NC Health Line Fields Nearly 3,000 Calls for Medical Assistance
RALEIGH, NC – North Carolina’s health line has processed almost 3,000 calls from residents seeking medical services since its launch, demonstrating significant demand for accessible healthcare navigation. The service, designed to connect individuals with appropriate care, received 2,949 calls between July 10th and September 6th, 2024, according to state officials.
This surge in call volume underscores ongoing challenges in healthcare access across the state, notably for those lacking a primary care physician or facing barriers to conventional medical appointments. The NC Health Line aims to streamline the process of finding care, offering assistance with scheduling, understanding insurance coverage, and locating appropriate resources. The initiative is particularly vital as north Carolina continues to grapple with healthcare disparities and a growing population.
The health line operates as a centralized point of contact, available 24/7 by calling 888-891-9311. Trained specialists answer calls and provide guidance based on individual needs. Services include assistance with finding a doctor, scheduling appointments, and connecting individuals with mental health and substance use resources.
State health officials report that the most frequent reasons for calls included requests for assistance finding a primary care provider, inquiries about mental health services, and help navigating insurance benefits. The programme is funded through a combination of state and federal resources and is intended to supplement, not replace, existing healthcare services.