PRESENCE HOLY FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER HOSTING “WEEK OF ENROLLMENT” FOR AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

Enrollment Drive Will Help Uninsured Find Health Care Coverage Before Deadline

Today, Presence Holy Family Medical Center announced the launch of an Affordable Care Act “Week of Enrollment” starting March 10, 2014. This Presence Health system-wide initiative will help local residents without health insurance sign up for a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The goal is to help a maximum number of Illinois residents enroll in health insurance plans before open enrollment closes on March 31.

One of the most important steps to ensuring health and wellness is finding a high-quality, affordable health insurance plan. The Presence Holy Family Week of Enrollment will help community members understand the enrollment process, explore their options and make the best choice for themselves and their families. The ultimate goal for Presence Holy Family is to improve access to health care for everyone in Illinois—helping people get the coverage they need to get the health care they deserve.

During the week of March 10, Presence Holy Family Medical Center will join all hospitals in the Presence Health system to help explain the broad range of health insurance options available within the Health Insurance Marketplace. Step-by-step guidance is available to help individuals and families determine their eligibility for financial assistance with buying insurance, which is dependent on family size and income. Subsidies and tax credits can be used toward insurance premium costs for many new enrollees. Many will also qualify for Medicaid or the AllKids program, which will be free to those eligible.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA or “Obamacare”) became law in 2010 with the goal of giving millions of Americans options for affordable, comprehensive health insurance. The ACA requires that nearly all Americans have some form of health insurance by March 31, 2014, either through their employers, Medicare, Medicaid or individually-purchased coverage. Those without health insurance by the deadline face a tax penalty.

Presence Holy Family Medical Center can help anyone in need of health insurance coverage. Information can be obtained at the hospital during the week of March 10, from 10-11 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 3-4 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday or 2-3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.  Appointments can be made with a Presence Health Counselor by calling 877-737-INFO or emailing cac@presencehealth.org. More information can be found at www.presencehealth.org/marketplace.