EASTON—The Affordable Care Act (ACA) will transform healthcare insurance in Maryland, beginning October 1, making it affordable and widely available. An open meeting to explain the new plans and how to enroll in them will be held on Saturday, September 28, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Asbury United Methodist Church in Easton. Everyone is welcome.
The program is sponsored by Talbot Affordable Healthcare Outreach (TAHO), a group of Talbot County residents helping their uninsured neighbors and families understand and enroll in the new insurance plans. Coverage under the health plans begins January 1, 2014.
The speaker at the Asbury meeting will be Leni Preston, founding member and chair of the Maryland Women’s Coalition for Health Care Reform. This nonpartisan, statewide alliance of individual and organizational members was founded in 2006 to ensure that every Marylander has access to comprehensive, affordable, high-quality health care.
“Having health insurance can help you stay healthier and protect you from the high cost of a medical crisis,” said Charlene DeShields, chairman of TAHO. She noted that an estimated 4,000 people are uninsured in Talbot County.
The new health insurance plans are available to all citizens and legal residents who do not have health insurance through an employer. The plans are offered through the Maryland Health Connection, the marketplace established by the state. Individuals and families can compare the available health plans and choose the one that is best for them. People may also qualify for federal premium tax credits and subsidies.
The recently appointed Navigator in Talbot County for the Maryland Health Connection, Chelsea Johnson, will be at the meeting to explain how the enrollment process works. She will be available to answer specific questions about eligibility and arrange individual appointments. Enrollment in health plans begins October l and ends March 31, 2014. People can enroll online, by phone, by fax, or in person.
Asbury Church is located at 18 Higgins Street, Easton. Parking is available behind the church.
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