Abrazo Community Health Network will be providing free assistance to Arizonans to help them enroll in affordable health insurance coverage. In Arizona, about 75 percent of consumers qualified for financial assistance and cost reductions for 2015 coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace, according to federal statistics.
Through its Path to Health program, Abrazo Community Health Network’s six hospitals in Phoenix, Goodyear and Glendale will have certified enrollment counselors to answer questions and help enroll people in an insurance plan during the open enrollment period, Nov. 1 to Jan. 31.
Abrazo’s community education and outreach campaign aims to raise awareness and understanding of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as well as the insurance options available for those currently without insurance or looking to change plans. Abrazo is partnering with Keogh Health Connection, Cognosante and Enroll America to offer enrollment assistance and educational resources about the insurance exchanges and the ACA to help simplify the law and educate community members.
In addition, Abrazo is presenting special enrollment events. The first one will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 14 at Abrazo Central Campus’s Arlene Copley Wellness Center, 2000 W. Bethany Home Road. Information will be presented about the potential benefits to individuals and families regarding the Affordable Care Act, Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicaid Expansion.
Free health screenings will be offered including blood pressure, heart rate and Body Mass Index (BMI) will be offered. Refreshments will be served.
Upcoming Path to Health enrollment events are:
Dec. 6: Noon to 4 p.m., Abrazo West Campus, 13677 W. McDowell Road, second floor conference room.
Jan. 9: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, 18701 N. 67th Ave. in Glendale. Palo Verde and Sierra rooms.
“We want to help individuals and their families understand the Affordable Care Act. We want to make sure our community members are well informed in order to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.’’ said Dr. William Ellert, Abrazo Community Health Network’s Chief Medical Officer.
Some of the important health benefits covered under Marketplace plans includes emergency services, maternity and newborn care, lab tests, preventive services, mental health services and pediatric services. Free preventative services include screenings for blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cholesterol and colon cancer.
The Marketplace’s health insurance plans offer lower costs on out-of-pocket expenses and premiums based on income. Federal tax credits, which can be used to lower premiums, are available to those who qualify.
Under the Affordable Care Act, people who do not enroll in health insurance by Jan. 31, 2016 may have to pay a penalty fee of $695 per adult and $347.50 per child or 2.5 percent of their annual income, whichever is higher.
