City of Bloomington Hosts Press Conference to Address the Health Insurance Marketplace

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 20, 2014

For more information, please contact:

Nancy Woolery, Health Projects Coordinator, City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department, 349.3851

City of Bloomington Hosts Press Conference to Address the Health Insurance Marketplace

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington invites community members and stakeholders to attend a press conference regarding the 2014 - 2015 Open Enrollment Period for the Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of the new healthcare law, the Affordable Care Act. The press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. in the atrium of City Hall, 401 N. Morton St. Regional Director of Health and Human Services Kathleen Falk will attend the conference to encourage enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace.

At the conference, Mayor Mark Kruzan will encourage the uninsured in our community to take advantage of the Marketplace plans in Monroe County, which have increased from three insurance carriers to seven. Those currently enrolled in a Marketplace Plan should take the opportunity to review the new plans before re-enrolling into their current plan to ensure their current plan is still the best option. The Marketplace also offers tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, which help pay for monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. This year's open enrollment period is shorter than last year, spanning just three months from Nov. 15 through Feb. 15, stressing the importance of residents signing up sooner.

Falk would also like to recognize the collaborative efforts of local community partners who provide education, outreach and assistance with enrollment into the Health Insurance Marketplace. Monroe County currently has approximately 16 certified Navigators, and Monroe County United Way received funding to certify 14 new Navigators to increase the amount available to area residents. Local Navigators, as well as several other local resources, can guide residents through the enrollment process, explain available coverage options and answer general questions. This assistance is provided free of charge.

Local organizations providing assistance are:

• IU Health Individual Solutions - offers certified Navigators; contact 1.800 313.1328 to schedule an appointment

• Cover Monroe - offers information on community education and enrollment events; contact 812.269.2991 or visit [www.covermonroe.org]

• City of Bloomington - offers enrollment assistance with certified Navigators; contact 349.3851 (para Español: 812.349.3860 o latinoprograms@bloomington.in.gov)

• Premier Healthcare, LLC - offers certified Navigators; contact 812.355.2762 or dwiechers@premierhealthcare.org to schedule an appointment

For more information on the press conference, please contact Health Projects Coordinator Nancy Woolery at 349.3851.

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