FARMINGTON — Franklin Memorial Hospital is hosting two focus groups to gain insight on ways to improve access to health care for patients who are uninsured and underinsured.

“We really want to help patients take better care of their health,” Tracy Harty, nurse navigator at FMH, said. “We really need our patients’ input and suggestions as we plan for the future.”

The focus groups will meet from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at LaFleurs Restaurant in Jay, and Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the White Elephant in Strong. Dinner will be provided for all who attend.

“We want to understand the experience of not having health insurance,” Harty said. “We want to hear people’s stories.”

Harty, along with Dalene Sinskie from Evergreen Behavioral Services, will facilitate the groups.

“We really want to know what our patients are experiencing; getting the health care they need, finding a primary care provider, filling prescriptions and how our financial assistance program is working for them,” Harty said.

The hospital’s financial assistance program gives away $6 million a year in health care, she said.

“We’re always looking at where the money goes and whether the care that is given away is for those who need it most,” she said.

It’s not just about money; there are other things that may contribute to a person receiving health care, such as an access issue or education.

The groups are about helping people find the resources that are there to help them take care of themselves, she said.

“I am working with our financial assistance team to better understand how we can provide the best care, at the right place and the right time, to best meet our patients’ needs,” Harty said.

Anyone with an interest in these issues is invited to attend either session. Please RSVP to ensure a dinner.

At the end of the meeting, participants will receive a gas card to help offset their travel costs. The meal and gas cards were made available through a grant from the Maine Health Access Foundation.

Space is limited. To reserve a spot or for additional information, contact Harty at 779-2830.