November 12, 2024 – Wrapping up its 95th year in business, the Hospital Thrift Shop presented a check this morning to Nantucket Cottage Hospital totaling $625,000.

Hospital President, Amy Lee, commented, “I can’t thank the staff and volunteers of the Thrift Shop enough for their ongoing dedication and hard work. These much-needed funds will go toward new, improved mammography equipment, a new state-of-the-art ultrasound machine, and supplemental funding for employee housing.”

“I would like to thank the entire Thrift Shop team for another exceptional year and this generous donation. Fulfilling our mission to our island community would not be possible without your generous support, and for that we are eternally grateful,” said Craig Muhlhauser, Chair of the NCH Board of Trustees.

The Hospital Thrift Shop has donated more than $8 million to the hospital since its founding in 1929 when a group of dedicated volunteers came together to provide affordable clothes and household goods to the island community. Its first gift to the hospital that year was $603. Many have contributed to this success: residents who donate gently used items, shoppers who get great deals, numerous volunteers who devote substantial time and energy, and a small staff who run the daily operation of this thriving organization. It’s a tradition that continues to generate great returns for the community by providing affordable goods and for the hospital by providing ongoing financial support that will benefit Nantucket patients into the future. The gift of $625,000 matches last year’s record for largest donation in a single year.

Mary Casey, Executive Director, Hospital Thrift Shop
Amy Lee, President, Nantucket Cottage Hospital
Craig Muhlhauser, Chair, Board of Trustees, Nantucket Cottage Hospital
Jennifer Anderson, Vice President of the Board of Directors, Hospital Thrift Shop

November 3, 2024 – Nantucket Cottage Hospital Hospital was honored as one of the top women-led businesses in Massachusetts, according to a list published by the Boston Globe Magazine on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

The hospital, which is led by president and chief operating officer Amy Lee, was ranked 62 on the list of 100 businesses statewide. The list was assembled by The Women’s Edge, a non-profit organization that works to advance women in leadership positions. It was featured in the Boston Globe Magazine’s annual “Women & Power” issue.

Amy Lee commented, “I am humbled and honored to be included among these tremendously talented women, particularly Dr. Anne Klibanski, president and chief executive officer of the Mass General Brigham system, who earned the number one ranking on the list.”

The Women’s Edge ranks organizations by examining a number of variables including their revenue, diversity, operating budget, number of employees, and innovative projects.

The announcement was made November 1 at an awards ceremony held at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. The entire list can be found online, here.

November 1, 2024 – The open enrollment period for the Massachusetts Health Connector, the state-based health insurance marketplace, begins November 1, 2024 and runs through January 23, 2025.

During open enrollment, individuals and families can change their current plan, and those who are uninsured can shop for and enroll in one of the plans offered through the Health Connector.

NCH’s Health Care Advocates are available for assistance with this process. Please call Diane at 508-825-8256 or Andrew at 508-825-8199 to schedule an appointment. To speak directly with the Massachusetts Health Connector, call 877-623-6765.

The Health Connector website, MAhealthconnector.org, is also available to review plans, shop and enroll.

October 17, 2024 – The annual enrollment and change period for Medicare’s Part D prescription drug plans runs from October 17 through December 7, 2024. Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s Social Services Department offers phone consultations for assistance with the open enrollment period. Please call 508-825-8196, Monday through Friday, to schedule an appointment (limited appointments available).

Additional assistance is available from the SHINE Program, a State Health Insurance Program that provides free, one-on-one health insurance information, counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages. Phone appointments for Nantucket residents are available through SHINE by calling 508-375-6762. You can also email SHINE@capecod.gov.

The SHINE Program can assist with questions about the following:

• Medicare
• Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare HMOs, PPOs)
• Insurance Claim Forms
• Medicare Supplements (“Medigap”)
• Medicaid/MassHealth
• Prescription Advantage
• Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
• One Care Plans
• Health Insurance Options
• Prescription Drug Options
• Long-Term Care Insurance

Some of the services that SHINE counselors provide include:

• Reviewing your current coverage
• Reviewing your eligibility for financial assistance
• Providing health insurance plan comparisons
• Helping prepare health benefit claim forms and applications

SHINE counselors are volunteers trained and certified through the SHINE Program.

(September 2024) – Nantucket Cottage Hospital is administering flu and COVID shots throughout the Fall. Appointments are required and are available to book on the Patient Gateway or by calling 508-825-1000. Vaccines will be administered in the Physician Practices area of the main hospital building at 57 Prospect Street.

A flu vaccine protects you from getting the flu and can also reduce your risk from flu complications. The CDC also recommends you stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. The updated vaccine protects against the latest virus variants.

Flu and COVID vaccines are also available to patients during a regular primary care visit.