CareLink is University Health’s financial assistance program. It serves low-income, uninsured Bexar County residents, benefiting 460,000 people from 1997 to 2022. 

Goals

CareLink aims to improve health equity and reduce disparities for current and future generations by:

• Increasing access to care
• Expanding our outreach
• Creating more organizational partnerships
• Developing programs that promote healthy lifestyles and disease management
• Identifying opportunities to benefit our community

Guiding Principles

• Promote patient responsibility and program viability
• Provide a medical home for members
• Make evidence-based health care decisions
• Assure that members receive medications
• Develop community partnerships

Preventive Health Care

CareLink pioneered the concept of a medical home for the uninsured. The program champions preventive health care services that improve patient outcomes and offer a lifeline to people who face obstacles to care. 

Medication Assistance

CareLink’s collaboration with the University Health Pharmacy in 1999 led to the Medication Assistance Program. This program has granted access to over $300 million of life-changing medications and therapies.

Education & Outreach

CareLink’s health and wellness programs aim to better support community members facing health disparities. CareLink members who participate in these programs may earn credit toward their CareLink balance.

• Salud Por Vida is a healthy lifestyle program for members diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension. 
• FitLink includes access to the University Health Fitness Center at Texas Diabetes Institute.
• GetFIT provides CareLink members with education on colorectal cancer.
• Mujeres Con Confianza provides CareLink members with education on women’s reproductive health issues.

Community Partnerships

CareLink’s commitment extends beyond its core operations. CareLink also partners with City Public Service Energy to enroll applicants in discount programs. Anyone screened for CareLink eligibility is also screened for these cost-saving programs.