Center for Elder Law and Justice Joins CHAMP Network in Western New York
CHAMP is New York State’s independent health insurance ombudsman program for substance use disorder and mental health care
The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) is pleased to announce that the Center for Elder Law and Justice (CELJ) was selected to join the Community Health Access to Addiction and Mental Healthcare Project (CHAMP) network following a request for proposals (RFP) process earlier this year. CHAMP is New York State’s independent health insurance ombudsman program for substance use disorders and mental health care.
As a partner in the CHAMP network, CELJ will help individuals in Western New York overcome health insurance barriers to lifesaving mental health and substance use disorder treatment. CELJ will provide consumer assistance services as well as outreach and education in the Western New York Region, including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. CELJ’s mission is to improve the quality of life for older, disabled, and low-income adults through the provision of free legal services to help ensure that those in need may live independently and with dignity. CELJ has decades of experience navigating health care access issues and frequently represents clients with mental illness and/or substance use disorder (SUD) through several of its existing programs.
To address issues with insurance access, CHAMP works with a network of specialists and community-based organization partners and operates a live-answer helpline. The CHAMP Helpline at is available at 888-614-5400 Monday through Thursday 9 am-7 pm and Thursday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. For more information, please visit www.champny.org. Help can also be accessed by emailing Ombuds@oasas.ny.gov.
CHAMP is operated by the Community Service Society of New York, a nonprofit organization that advocates for programs and policies that address economic and racial disparities in accessing quality health care services.
About Center for Elder Law & Justice
At the Center for Elder Law & Justice, we advocate for justice at all stages of life, empowering our clients to live independently and with dignity. Since 1978, our dedicated team of attorneys, paralegals, and social workers has provided free, comprehensive legal services to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and financially eligible residents of Western New York.
Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, we operate satellite offices in Niagara and Chautauqua counties and maintain strong medical-legal partnerships at Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo General Medical Center, and John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital. Together, we work to break the cycle of poverty, protect vulnerable populations, and promote justice for all.
About the Community Service Society
The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) has worked with and for New Yorkers since 1843 to promote economic opportunity and champion an equitable city and state. We power change through a strategic combination of research, services, and advocacy to make New York more livable for people facing economic insecurity. By expanding access to health care, affordable housing, employment opportunities, debt assistance, and more, we make a tangible difference in the lives of millions. Join us at www.cssny.org.
