What is Project Access?

Project Access is a coordinated system of volunteer physician care, hospital care and diagnostic services for the low-income uninsured residents of Palm Beach County. The program is administered by the Palm Beach County Medical Society Services, Inc., a 501(c) 3 corporation.

The program also provides free preventive, personalized care and focuses on wellness through prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension and Heart diseases.

Project Access provides a short term plan with a long-term solution. While patients are under Project Access care, the staff works with them to find other ongoing care within a 1 year period.

Please Note  Project Access does not…

• The program does not assist people who need emergency care.  These individuals are advised to present themselves to an Emergency Department at a hospital.
• The program does not cover people who are underinsured.
• The program does not provide assistance retroactively.

Project Access Mission

The mission is to obtain access to health care for the uninsured residents of Palm Beach County. Over 700 volunteer physicians and providers have participated. The program has served over 11,000 individuals with medical needs and found a long term healthcare plan for them.  The program has donated a total value of over $11 million, an average of $1.2 million per year.

Project Access Eligibility

Before being accepted as a Project Access participant, individuals undergo a screening process to determine eligibility. In order to be eligible, the patients must:

1. Be a resident of Palm Beach County.
2. Have income that does not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
3. Not qualify for any federal, state or county health coverage.

Project Access Enrollment Steps

1. Check the Federal Poverty Level to see if you meet the income eligibility for medical assistance
2. If income level is met, call Project Access at (561) 433-3940 to be screened for eligibility.
3. If accepted as a Project Access patient, staff will schedule an appointment date and time.
4. Complete Project Access application form and bring to your appointment (No applications will be accepted by mail, fax or email). Project Access Spanish application. 
5. Proof of income will be required.

Volunteer Physicians & Providers Benefits

The program enables physicians and other healthcare providers to provide pro bono care to needy patients in the community through an organized system that is simple and protective of the providers. Our professional staff will track your contributions and offer assistance to ensure a smooth, rewarding experience.

Physicians are eligible to receive up to 5 CME every two years for providing pro bono care.  The physician and facility has complete control of the number of patients they will accept. We do not ask for a minimum commitment.

Volunteer Physicians Needed

Project Access volunteers provide care in many specialties to meet the needs of our Palm Beach County patients. We aim to have specialty care appointments scheduled within three months, and have a need for volunteers of multiple specialties. We currently need additional specialties listed below:

• Allergy & Immunology
• Cardiology
• Dermatology
• Ear, Nose & Throat
• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology
• General Surgery
• Gynecology
• Head & Neck Surgery
• Hematology
• Imaging
• Nephrology
• Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Ophthalmology
• Oncology
• Oral Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pain Management
• Plastic Surgery
• Psychiatry
• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Rheumatology
• Urology
• Vascular Surgery

Volunteer Extraordinaire
Highlight on physicians or providers who demonstrate exceptional services.

A Special Thank You to our Partners and Supporters
Partners:

Hospitals: 

Bethesda Health
Boca Raton Regional Hospital
JFK North Campus
JFK Medical Center
Jupiter Medical Center
Palms West Hospital
St. Mary’s Medical Center 
Wellington Regional Medical Center 

West Boca Medical Center

Community Partners: 

Diagnostic Centers of America

Florida Open Imaging

Katzen Eye Care & Laser Center

Palm Beach Radiology

Presidential Eye Surgery Center

Quest Diagnostic Laboratories

South Florida Radiation Oncology

Supporters:

Admirals Cove Cares Charitable Foundation
Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics
Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation 
Children’s Healthcare Charity
DCA for Health
Health Care District of Palm Beach County
Jarden Consumer Solutions
Quantum Foundation
United Way of Palm Beach County

How to become a partner

Please call Lauren Stoops, Program Director, at (561) 433-3940 extension 119.

How you can help

You can volunteer with Project Access. To learn more, please call Lauren Stoops, Program Director, at (561) 433-3940 extension 119.

Volunteer with Project Access

Physician Volunteer
Non-Physician Volunteer

Make a Donation

Thank you for your support.  You gift helps deliver health care to Palm Beach County citizens who have nowhere else to turn.  Project Access is a program of the Palm Beach County Medical Society Services which a 501 (c)3 organization meaning your donation is 100% tax deductible. For every dollar received we can provide $8 worth of medical care.

How we are funded

Project Access is a grant funded program through private funders and organizations.

Spread the Word

Do you want more information with Project Access and how we can help your community? Contact Lauren Stoops, Program Director, at (561) 433-3940 extension 119.

Project Access and the Affordable Care Act

How to enroll

We have navigation services to help you enroll into the Marketplace Health Insurance Plans. Contact (561) 433-3940.

More information:

Healthcare.gov
Enrollamerica.org
Getcoveramerica.org
hhs.gov
cms.gov
Kff.org