From Access East

 

GREENVILLE — The deadline for people still needing to enroll in an Affordable Care Act health-insurance policy on the Health Insurance Marketplace, or to renew an existing policy, is almost here. This year’s Open Enrollment period — abbreviated, like last year, to just 45 days — closes at midnight Saturday.

In the remaining days of Open Enrollment, Access East Certified Marketplace Navigators are holding two free enrollment events to assist consumers in choosing the best, most cost-effective health-insurance plan for them and their families for 2019, and to determine if financial assistance is available to help pay for coverage.

Greater than 90 percent of North Carolinians who have signed up for ACA coverage have also received financial assistance to make their plans more affordable.

For the remainder of Open Enrollment, consumers can still set up free appointments with local Navigators either by calling 252-847-3027 or scheduling online at www.NCNavigator.net. While appointments are encouraged, there will also be walk-in availability at the two enrollment events.

Our expert Navigators work with consumers one-on-one, and receive no commission on any plans.

“Despite the wider availability of short-term plans this year, and the elimination of the tax penalty for not having health insurance in 2019, the majority of our consumers are returning to re-enroll,” said Cheryl Hallock, Navigator coordinator for Access East. “We’ve also had a significant influx of new enrollees who often have been referred to us by their friends or family, people whom we have already enrolled.

“Our Navigators are thus staying busy with a steady flow of consumers,” Hallock continued. “But as the deadline approaches, we’re anticipating a last-minute rush. I encourage people to contact us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.”

The local ACA Certified Navigators Program (www.accesseast.org/aca-main) is one of several health-related programs making up Greenville nonprofit Access East, Inc., which primarily coordinates patient-focused, provider-driven health care for the Medicaid and uninsured populations across 27 eastern North Carolina counties.

 

ENROLLMENT EVENTS:

Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Rocky Mount

Braswell Library, Wiley Room, 727 Grace St.

 

Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.:

Greenville

Access East, Stanton Square Shopping Center, 2410 Stantonsburg Road

 

BRING WITH YOU TO EVENTS:

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Social Security numbers, or document numbers for legal immigrants;

An active email address with a password, or cell-phone access to email. If not, Navigators can help set up an email account to allow for enrollment;

Employer name and phone number;

Income information for every member of a household who is working, or who has income and needs coverage.

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