Lake County residents can enroll in health insurance at January eventss

Enroll Lake County! navigators will be on hand at two January events to enroll Lake County residents in health insurance plans offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicaid.

On Thursday, Jan. 15, bilingual navigators will be available from 4-8 p.m. at Village Elementary School, 880 Nippersink Road, in Round Lake.

On Monday, Jan. 16, the Family First Center of Lake County will host an event tied into Martin Luther King Day at the Jesus Name Apostolic Church, 150 S. Genesee St., in Waukegan. Enroll Lake County! navigators will be on-site to help residents look at their coverage options and apply for health coverage from noon until 6 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome at these events, but appointments are encouraged. To schedule an appointment, call (847) 377-4999. The navigators' services are free.

Enroll Lake County! was launched by the Lake County Health Department and local partners in 2013. Its focus is on educating and enrolling local residents in Medicaid and Health Insurance Marketplace plans. This is an ideal time to meet with a navigator, as the Marketplace enrollment period will close Feb. 15.

People can apply for Medicaid year-round. Whether an individual is low income, without a job, working part-time, had insurance but lost it, had a life change that changes his or her financial situation, or has insurance but wants to see if there is something more affordable, navigators can help.

Most uninsured Illinois residents can qualify for financial assistance to help lower their cost for insurance.

For information, contact the Enroll Lake County! office at (847) 377-4999; call the Get Covered Illinois Help Desk toll free from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week at (866) 311-1119; or visit EnrollLakeCounty.com.