Championing Your Health & Recovery

The Community Health Access to Addiction & Mental Healthcare Project (CHAMP) is a free and confidential ombudsman program for individuals and families facing challenges in accessing substance use disorder and mental health services in New York State.

CHAMP’s mission aligns with our commitment to helping you navigate the complexities of insurance benefits and service access, so you can focus on your recovery journey. Our  coordinator is dedicated to providing resources, education, and advocacy, helping people overcome barriers in treatment and insurance coverage. 

As an ombudsman program, here’s how CHAMP can support you:

  • Investigating and resolving complaints related to substance use disorder and mental health services

  • Advocating for individuals experiencing violations of their rights

  • Providing free and confidential assistance to all New Yorkers

  • Addressing concerns and complaints related to treatment and insurance coverage

  • Educating you about your insurance rights for substance use disorder and mental health services

  • Empowering you to self-advocate and navigate treatment providers successfully

  • Helping overcome barriers to treatment and medication access

  • Maximizing your insurance coverage for necessary services

  • Offering system navigation assistance, legal support for insurance appeals, and medical benefits guidance

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To access CHAMP's free and confidential services, reach out to the CHAMP helpline at (518) 489-1929 from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm, or email ombuds@oasas.ny.gov.