Doctor’s Note: May 2026 reminders from Evergreen Health

We look forward to greeting you at 206 S. Elmwood Ave.

We’re excited to introduce a new check-in process at our 206 S. Elmwood Avenue location!

To better serve our patients and maintain a safe and secure patient experience, as you enter the lobby, you will now be greeted by our friendly patient relations team at the front desk to check you in for your appointment, learn about our services, or to help you find your way to the services you’re here for.

 

We’re going paperless to help you stay on track.

For your convenience (and because we love the planet!), we’re moving our billing reminders from paper to text message.

Going forward, you’ll receive a text message from Evergreen Health to remind you of any outstanding balances in your account. The text will take you to our secure payment platform, where you can easily pay your bills online.

All locations closed Monday, May 25

All Evergreen Health locations and Community Access Services will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume regular hours on Tuesday, May 26.

If you have a medical emergency during this time, please call 911. If you have a mental or behavioral health emergency during this time, please call 988.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. Depression is common and treatable, and the screening (just a few verbal questions) you get at your annual checkup appointment helps your care team understand how you’re feeling.

If a screening shows you may need extra support, your provider will work with you on a follow-up plan that fits your needs, and can refer you to our caring mental health team.

If you’re feeling like you could use some help with your mental health now, though, don’t wait for your primary care appointment: ask your provider for a referral through your Patient Portal or by giving us a call at  716.847.2441 (press option 5).

May is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Awareness Month

High blood pressure is a common and often silent health issue that can have serious effects on your heart, brain, and kidneys if left untreated.

The good news? Blood pressure is easy to check and manageable with the right care! Remember to go to your annual checkup each year so your care team can keep an eye on your blood pressure and recommend any changes to help you manage it. Small changes today can make a big difference for your future health.

Still need to schedule your checkup for 2026? Visit your Patient Portal, schedule on our website, or give us a call at 716.847.2441 (press option 5).

National Nurses’ Week is May 6-12

This Nurses’ Week, and every day, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible nurses who make coming to Evergreen a safe, healthy, affirming experience for our patients.

Thank you, nurses, for all you do to make our mission of providing unconditional care possible!

Important information for patients enrolled in a health plan through NYS Department of Health marketplace

If you’re enrolled in New York’s Essential Plan, you need to find alternative plans through the health insurance marketplace by July 1, 2026.  

Due to a federal funding cut, individuals enrolled in an Essential Plan will lose their current $0 premium coverage on July 1, 2026, and will need to find an alternative plan through the health insurance marketplace.

What does this mean for you?

• You will be notified by the state about the need to switch coverage. Typical notifications come by mail, email, text and WhatsApp Messaging, based on the alert that was specified when you applied for your plan.

• Evergreen’s Financial Counseling Center is here to help you find a plan that works for you through the NYS of Health marketplace.

• Alternatives to the Essential Plan will likely mean higher monthly premiums and may have different benefit structures. Our Financial Counseling Center is here to help you assess your options.

• To avoid a gap in coverage, you need to enroll in a new plan before July 1, 2026.    

Need more information?

• Further changes due to government interventions are possible, and understanding the impacts of these changes can be difficult: contact our Financial Counseling Center to get up-to-date information and guidance in real time. Our Financial Counseling team is available from 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday, and Tuesday until 7pm. Contact us at 716.847.2441 (press option 7), or walk in to our 206 South Elmwood Avenue location.  

• Visit info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/findassistor to find help with enrollment near you, available in all languages. 

THRIVE events in May

If you’re a Primary or Specialty Care patient at Evergreen, and you’re ready to make some lifestyle changes, THRIVE might be right for you!  

THRIVE Wellness Center offers a variety of activities to help you reduce stress and live your healthiest life. THRIVE helps people with chronic health conditions address their emotional, nutritional, physical and social needs.  

If you’re interested in THRIVE services, contact your Evergreen provider to request a referral.