Learn to navigate Affordable Care Act enrollment

The McHenry County Department of Health has scheduled English and Spanish informational presentations at local libraries to discuss insurance enrollment options through the Affordable Care Act.

The "Enroll McHenry" open enrollment kickoff will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov, 15, at the Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock, McHenry.

In-person counselors are trained and licensed by the state of Illinois, Department of Insurance, to raise awareness and educate residents about their new insurance options through Medicaid or Marketplace.

These libraries will host presentations:

• 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at McHenry Public Library, 809 Front St.

• 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, at Algonquin Public Library, 115 Eastgate Drive

• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Harvard-Diggins Library, 900 E McKinley St. (Spanish)

• 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 Paddock St. To register, call (815) 459-1687.

• 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at McHenry Public Library, 809 Front St. (Spanish)

The McHenry County Department of Health and its partners, Centegra Health System, Family Health Partnership Clinic and Pioneer Center for Human Services, received a state grant to provide education and enrollment assistance to residents who need affordable health care coverage. The grant period ends April 15, 2015. "Enroll McHenry" has provided 12,000 assistance sessions and has helped 3,061 residents apply in either Marketplace or Medicaid plans. For residents who have lost their employer-based benefits, discuss your options with a licensed Navigator to compare the cost of COBRA or Marketplace plan pricing.

Call MCDH at (815) 334-4510 or go online mcdh.info to schedule an appointment with a licensed Navigator or call the Get Covered Illinois Call Center at (866) 311-1119 for an appointment location near you.