Hospital helps residents with insurance enrollment

Presence St. Joseph Hospital, 77 N. Airlite St. in Elgin, is participating in an Affordable Care Act "Week of Enrollment," which started March 10.

This Presence Health systemwide initiative will help local residents without health insurance sign up for a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The goal is to help a maximum number of Illinois residents enroll in health insurance plans before open enrollment closes on March 31.

One of the most important steps to ensuring health and wellness is finding a high-quality, affordable health insurance plan. The Presence Saint Joseph Week of Enrollment will help the people of the communities we serve understand the enrollment process, explore their options and make the best choice for themselves and their families. The ultimate goal is to improve access to health care for everyone in Illinois - getting them the coverage they need to get the health care they deserve.

During the week, all hospitals in the Presence Health system will help explain the broad range of health insurance options available within the Health Insurance Marketplace. Step-by-step guidance is available to help individuals and families determine their eligibility for financial assistance with buying insurance, which is dependent on family size and income. Subsidies and tax credits can be used toward insurance premium costs for many new enrollees. Many will also qualify for Medicaid or the AllKids program, which will be free to those eligible.

Information and staff will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday in the hospital's outpatient lobby. Materials will also be available at all community health programs in March.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA or "Obamacare") became law in 2010 with the goal of giving millions of Americans options for affordable, comprehensive health insurance. The ACA requires that nearly all Americans have some form of health insurance by March 31, 2014, either through their employers, Medicare, Medicaid or individually-purchased coverage. Those without health insurance by the deadline face a tax penalty.

Presence St. Joseph Hospital can help anyone in need of health insurance coverage. Call (877) 737-INFO or email cac@presencehealth.org to make an appointment to see the nearest Presence Health counselor. More information can be found at www.presencehealth.org/marketplace.