As the Affordable Care Act enrollment period began Oct. 1, Sarah Bush Lincoln has several in-person counselors available to answer questions and enroll individuals into health insurance plans.
Sarah Bush Lincoln received a grant to provide seven counselors, who will travel throughout the area to help area residents better understand their insurance options. Additionally, they are hosting several free one-hour informational meetings at the following schedule:
4 pm, Tuesday, Nov. 12, Mattoon Public Library
4 pm, Thursday, Nov. 14, Paris Public Library
4 pm, Monday, Nov. 18, Greenup Public Library
4 pm, Tuesday, Nov. 19, Arcola Public Library
4 pm, Thursday, Nov. 21, Charleston Public Library
4 pm, Friday, Nov. 22, Sullivan Public Library
4 pm, Monday, Nov. 25, Shelbyville Public Library
4 pm, Tuesday, Nov. 26, Marshall Public Library
Eligible community members may enroll in an insurance plan through March 31. For coverage to begin Jan. 1, people must be enrolled by Dec. 15.
Illinois health insurance plan rates are 25 percent lower than predicted and lower than many other states. In fact, nearly all Illinois residents will have access to at least 34 plans.
Through the Marketplace, residents will be able to compare plans and premiums side-by-side. All plans provide coverage for the same set of essential health benefits. These health benefits include: ambulatory patient services, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health/substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment, prescription drugs, rehabilitative/habilitative services and devices, laboratory services, preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management, and pediatric services, including oral and vision care.
Misti Lewis, project supervisor, said the team welcomes questions and is happy to sit down with area residents to discuss various insurance options.
For more information, call the SBL In-Person Counselor Program at 238-4994.