So many of us need help right now. Offers to help mostly include things like free face masks or paycheck protection programs, but LIBERTY has upped the ante with a service used by their members and Florida Medicaid enrollees to find other necessities like transportation, housing, or a nearby hot meal.
Using a convenient search tool powered by Aunt Bertha, a member only has to type in their Zip Code to find an extensive catalogue of all free or reduced-cost services in their area. The resulting categories range from free or discounted legal services to finding an affordable place to live. The site even gives you additional details, like what your next steps are, the organization’s hours, and the approximate distance from each one to your location.
Anyone in need that doesn’t fall under LIBERTY’s coverage can use findhelp.org or MyFloridaMyFamily.com, which is powered by the same search tool, and find similar social resources.
The group expands its philanthropy into partnerships with various nonprofits, such as Food Share, to help distribute food and dental kits to families in need.
“The need is immense,” said Dr. Rosie Roldan, vice president of Florida clinical affairs and dental wellness at LIBERTY Dental Plan. “Families are struggling with complex problems as well as simple needs. That’s why we want to help however we can.”
LIBERTY staff is equipped to handle matters pertaining to the new program in addition to their regular services. Members can text LDPSMILES to 22925 or call 1-833-276-0850 to have any inquiries answered every weekday from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Since its launch, the program has received over 30,000 searches in our state alone after first launching in California and Nevada. Hotspots for use of this service are in more urban cities of Florida, like Orlando and Tallahassee.
“Our Community Smiles program provides help, healing, and hope to Florida’s most vulnerable people. It is a program that many families urgently need and that our state cannot afford to lose,” Dr. Roldan said. “Getting through these challenging times will require a partnership of committed individuals, businesses, nonprofits, state agencies, and lawmakers. We’re proud to be a part of this critical effort.”
