Toe River Project Access

10/10/2025

🎀 Great news, Mitchell County neighbors!
In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, if you missed us or were turned away at our last event, the Mammogram Mobile Bus is returning!

📅 Friday, October 24th
🕘 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 TRACTOR Food and Farms, 10992 NC-226, Spruce Pine, NC 28777

What you need to know:

Must have a photo ID.

Screening is free — insurance filed if available, but no insurance needed.

Must have a provider to send results to; results will also be sent to you by email or mail.

Appointments recommended; walk-ups not guaranteed. Call 877-318-1349 option 3 or scan the code on the flyer.

💖 Know someone who needs this? Share with a mom, sister, grandma, friend, or aunt!

Don’t miss this second chance for a free breast cancer screening and join us in raising awareness this October!

10/09/2025

10/08/2025

📣 Important Notice for Medicare Beneficiaries

During the federal government shutdown, Social Security will NOT issue replacement Medicare cards at this time.

What you can do instead:
➡️ Visit Medicare.gov
➡️ Log in (or create a new account)
➡️ You can view your Medicare number and print a temporary Medicare card to use until Social Security resumes processing replacements.

If you need help setting up your account or printing your card, reach out to your local SHIIP (Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program) counselor — they can guide you through it step by step!

📍 Local SHIIP Contacts:

Avery County
Avery Senior Services / SHIIP Counseling
📞 828-733-8220

Mitchell County
Toe River Project Access / SHIIP Counseling
📞 828-606-6428

Yancey County
Yancey County Senior Center / SHIIP Coordinator
📞 828-682-6186

Or call the NC SHIIP Helpline: ☎️ 1-855-408-1212
Visit: www.ncdoi.gov/shiip

10/07/2025

We had a wonderful turnout at the mammogram event today with a total of 33 neighbors served. The bus will be back very soon because we had to turn away a few walk-ins. Stay tuned in for the next mammogram event in Mitchell County. Thank you Irene and Mel these two volunteers/ cheerleaders were wonderful!!

10/07/2025

We are here ready for the day! If you made an appointment for a mammogram don’t forget to come by during your time slot and bring some form of photo ID. We are set up at the TRACTOR Food and Farms location 10992 NC 226 Spruce Pine NC 28777

10/06/2025

🚨 We are in Avery County today!!

Toe River Project Access is at NC Works / Mayland Community College – Newland Campus today!

📍 200 Mayland Dr, Newland, NC 28657 – Room 102
🕘 9 AM – 12 PM

Please stop by and let us help you navigate the support available in your community! 💙

10/06/2025

⚠️ Healthcare Updates During the Government Shutdown (Oct. 1, 2025 – TBD)

Toe River Project Access wants to keep our neighbors in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties informed. Here’s what you need to know if you have Medicare, Medicaid, or Marketplace health insurance:

• Telehealth Limits: Medicare telehealth, for now, is primarily for mental health. Medicaid and Marketplace coverage may also be affected, especially in rural areas.
• Longer Waits: Customer service for Medicare, Medicaid, and Marketplace may be slower.
• Funding Gaps: Some programs, like ambulance payments and community health centers, are unfunded for now.
• Provider Delays: Hospitals and doctors may face payment or certification delays.

💡 Not Sure How You’re Affected? Contact your healthcare provider—they can help clarify your coverage.

📞 Other essential contacts you may need:

Medicare: 1-800-633-4227

Medicaid (NC): 1-888-245-0179

ACA Marketplace: 1-800-318-2596

For additional help navigating resources with your healthcare needs, give Toe River Project Access a call at 828-606-6428, Spanish Line: 828-767-5205

10/02/2025

🛡️ Why and Where do I go for a Flu Shot This Fall!

“The best way to protect yourself and others from the flu is to get your annual vaccine. Even healthy people can get seriously ill or spread the flu to those at higher risk. Getting vaccinated helps keep your community safe—it's a simple step with a big impact!”

Who needs it? Anyone 6 months or older should receive the vaccination. This is especially important for:

👵 Seniors (65+)
👶 Young children
💔 People with chronic illnesses
🤰 Pregnant people
🦠 Anyone with a weakened immune system

There are public health clinics that often offer flu shots at low or no cost (based on insurance or sliding scale). 💰

📌 Tip: Bring your insurance card (if you have one), but don’t let cost stop you — ask about reduced or free options. Additionally, contact the Toe River Project Access for assistance in scheduling an appointment and finding savings. 828-606-6428

Here are convenient locations for you:

Avery County Toe River Health:
545 Schultz St, Newland
(828) 733-6031

Mitchell County Toe River Health:
130 Forest Service Dr, Suite A, Bakersville
(828) 688-4668

Yancey County Health Department:
202 Medical Campus Dr, Burnsville
(828) 682-6118

Together, we can reduce flu in our region and keep our families and neighbors healthy. 🤝 Please share this post so others know where to get vaccinated! 📢

10/02/2025

🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎀

We are celebrating by spotlighting women’s care providers right here in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties.

✅ Exciting News! Our Mammogram Mobile Free Clinic on Oct 7th at TRACTOR Foods & Farm in Mitchell County is now fully booked! 🎉 What a wonderful way to see our community come together for prevention and early detection during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you missed your chance to attend this event, below are some great resources for women's care.

📍 Local Women’s Care / Health Providers below:

High Country Community Health (Avery County)
📍 448 Cranberry Street, Newland, NC 28657
📞 (828) 737-0221
www.highcountrycommunityhealth.com

Mission Women's Care (Mitchell County)
📍 189 Hospital Dr, 2nd Floor Spruce Pine, NC 28777
📞 (828) 766-3555
www.missionhealth.org

Mountain Community Health Partnership (Yancey County)
📍Celo Health Center: 116 Seven Mile Ridge Rd, Burnsville, NC 28714 | 📞 (828) 675-4116
📍Burnsville Health Center: 71 Blue Ridge Ln, Burnsville, NC 28714
📞 (828) 682-8588
www.mchp.care
We understand that navigating women's health care and health insurance can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming. If you're feeling uncertain or don't have health insurance, please know that you are not alone. The Toe River Project Access is here to help you find the support and care you need. Your health and well-being are important to us, and we are ready to walk alongside you on this journey.

📞 828-606-6428
📞 Spanish line: 828-767-5205

💗 Together, we’re making a difference. Early detection saves lives.

10/01/2025

🌟 ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment 2025–2026
📅 November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
Hosted by Toe River Project Access a CareReach program

✅ Open Enrollment Help is Here!
Appointments are highly recommended.
📞 Call us: 828-606-6428
📞 Spanish-speaking service: 828-767-5205

📍 Event Locations & Dates

Mayland Community College – Avery County (Newland Campus)
200 Mayland Dr, Newland, NC 28657
Monday, Nov. 3 • 9AM-12PM
Monday, Dec. 1 • 9AM – 12PM
Monday, Jan. 5 • 9AM – 12PM

Shepherd’s Staff – Mitchell County
10992 NC 226 Hwy, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Tuesday, Nov. 4 • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday, Dec. 2 • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday, Jan. 6 • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

RHA – Yancey County
72 Blue Ridge Ln, Burnsville, NC 28714
Wednesday, Nov. 5 • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesday, Dec. 3 • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesday, Jan. 7 • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

💡 Why Re-Enroll or Enroll during open enrollment?
- Insurance plans and coverage options change each year.
- Re-enrolling ensures you keep the best coverage for your needs.
- Updating your application may qualify you for new savings or lower premiums.
- If you don’t re-enroll, you could be auto-assigned a plan that may not fit your healthcare needs or budget.

📑 What to Bring to Your Appointment:
- Previous insurance card (if you have one)
- Social Security numbers (for all applying)
- Birth dates for everyone applying
- Employer and income information (W-2s, pay stubs, or tax return)
- List of current medications and providers

09/29/2025

📣2026 changes to Medicare: Prepare now for the 2025 Open Enrollment period. 📣

Medicare plans change every year, and what worked for you in 2025 may not meet your needs in 2026. 📝 Open Enrollment runs October 15 – December 7, with changes effective January 1, 2026.

🔔 What’s Changing in 2026?

💰 Higher Part B premiums, deductibles, and possible IRMAA surcharges.

📈 Part D out-of-pocket cap increases to $2,100.

📜 Updates to prescription drug formularies.

🔄 Medicare Advantage plans may change in your area.

🛑 New prior authorization requirements.

🙁 Reduced supplemental benefits (vision, dental, etc.).

⚖️ Adjustments to rules for dual-eligible beneficiaries.

✅ Action Steps:

📬 Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).

🔍 Use the Plan Finder tool with your actual prescriptions and providers.

💵 Compare total costs: premium + deductible + copays + drug costs.

❓ Key Questions to Ask Your Agent or SHIIP Counselor

💸 What is my total estimated cost (premium + out-of-pocket)?

👩‍⚕️ Are my doctors in-network?

💊 Are my prescriptions covered?

🏥 What supplemental benefits are included?

🤝 How does Extra Help or Medicaid affect my coverage?

📍 Local Free, Unbiased SHIIP Counselors:

Avery County – Avery County Senior Services
📞 828-733-8220

Mitchell County – Toe River Project Access
📞 828-606-6428

Yancey County – Co-operative Extension
📞 828-682-6186

09/26/2025

We only have one spot left at 2:15 pm. If you or someone you know needs a mammogram, have them sign up for one at no cost.