Pekin Hospital's Navigator Program Recognized

Linda Reader, assistant director for Pekin Hospital’s navigator program, was recently invited to present at conferences in Chicago and Washington, D.C., in recognition of her team’s achievements in health care education and health insurance enrollment.

In the fall of 2015, Reader’s department received a navigator grant to help educate Central Illinois communities about options for medical coverage. Since that time, her staff has worked closely with businesses and residents throughout the region to assist with their education and enrollment needs.

Navigator grants are awarded to qualifying organizations each year from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Pekin Hospital is one of 100 organizations across the United States to receive a navigator grant.

“We’re proud to have Pekin Hospital as a health care education and health insurance resource for the people we serve,” said Reader. “The navigator program is another way we can live the hospital’s mission to improve the health and well-being of our communities. Our team will continue to conduct free public education activities and open enrollment sessions across Central Illinois. There are still thousands of people in the area who need health insurance and may not know about their coverage options.”

Reader joined Pekin Hospital in 2008 as an insurance reimbursement specialist. She became a certified application counselor for the Affordable Care Act in 2013 and a licensed federal navigator in 2015.

Part of Progressive Health Systems, Pekin Hospital is a 107-bed medical center serving Central Illinois since 1913. For more information visit pekinhospital.org. Questions about the hospital’s navigator program may be directed to 855-601-3839.