MARION, January 26, 2015 – Do you have to pay a fine for not having health insurance? Can you get financial help to pay for health insurance? If you have questions about the Affordable Care Act, come to a free health insurance information and enrollment event Thursday from 2-8 p.m. at the Corpening Memorial YMCA, 348 Grace Corpening Road, in Marion.
The Affordable Care Act requires everyone to have health insurance, pay a fine or receive an exemption from the fine. The Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Legal Aid of North Carolina, and the McDowell Hospital are partnering to help McDowell County residents understand the health care law and help them enroll in health insurance plans.
Individuals can make an appointment for a free, confidential meeting with a trained Affordable Care Act navigator who can help them review options and enroll in a health care plan. Walk-ins will be accommodated if possible, but scheduling an appointment is recommended. Open enrollment for 2015 ends on February 15 so it is important to enroll as soon as possible.
Informal presentations about the health care law will be made in English at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. and in Spanish at 7 p.m. No appointment is necessary to attend the presentations or stop by the event for general information about the Affordable Care Act.
One-on-one enrollment appointments can be scheduled by calling 828-437-8280, ext. 2103 or 1-855-733-3711. Appointments can also be made online at: http://connector.getcoveredamerica.org.
Those interested in enrolling in a health insurance plan should bring their Social Security or immigration document numbers, income information for every member of their household, policy numbers for current health insurance plans and any information about job-related health insurance available to the family.
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Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide, nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people in order to ensure equal access to justice and remove legal barriers to economic opportunity.
The Council on Aging of Buncombe County (COA) is a non-profit organization providing services, support and information to help people meet the challenges of growing older. COA is dedicated to promoting independence, dignity and wellness for older adults through education, innovative programming, and coordination of resources. Learn more at www.coabc.org.
McDowell Hospital serves the health care needs of our community, giving comprehensive, cost-effective, quality care without regard to race, color, creed or ability to pay. Learn more at www.mcdowellhospital.org.
Media Contacts
Barbara Degen, 828-437-8280 x2104, barbarad@legalaidnc.org
Sean Driscoll, 919-856-2132, seand@legalaidnc.org