WILMINGTON — Clinton Memorial Hospital Regional Health System will host two health insurance open enrollment events Thursday, Nov. 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the hospital.
In a press release, CMH said it will offer “free, one-on-one assistance from unbiased advisees” for those interested in enrolling in a health insurance plan through the marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act, which is also referred to as “Obamacare.”
It’s the third year that CMH has hosted an open enrollment, and John Zimmerling, director of Patient Financial Services at CMH, is optimistic about turn-out for the events.
“It’s incredibly important to us that community members get the health coverage they need, and we are in a unique position to help,” Zimmerling said in a prepared statement. “This is our third year hosting this event, and over the last couple months we have been distributing more information than ever before about health coverage options. We want people to know that CMH is here to help.”
Zimmerling also told the News Journal that those attending will receive help using Enroll America’s website, will answer questions about the kind of coverage they need, can be enrolled and can receive help navigating the Medicaid process.
In fact, one of its key components, according to Zimmerling, is to help people understand their options and find out if they qualify for Medicaid.
“When somebody walks out they should be able to be confident that they know exactly what … they need to get (their insurance process and forms) completed.”
The event is open to the public and all are welcome, according to hospital officials.
Zimmerling said the event is for everyone, not just those who are uninsured.
It works just like open enrollment events for those who have employer-sponsored healthcare, he said. Those who have insurance may want to consider different plans that fit their circumstances.
“Somebody may have enrolled last year but needs to come around and change plans,” Zimmerling said. “Now’s the time to do it.”
Zimmerling said even those who don’t qualify for Medicaid and don’t have money for insurance should come.
“We can talk to them about the things the hospital and the providers in the area can do to assist families,” he said. “We want to make sure we can find out how to get people covered.”
Those hoping to attend can pre-register for a time slot by visiting www.getcoveredamerica.org/events/ and entering zip code 45177 and selecting a 10 mile search radius.
Walk-ins are also welcome. Attendees that would like to enroll on-site should bring an ID, documentation of income, such as paystubs or a W-2, and any current policy information.
Call 937-382-6611 for more information.
“We’re looking forward to a good turnout and encourage people to come join us,” Zimmerling said. “We’re there to serve the community.”
Reach Nathan Kraatz at 937-382-2574, ext. 2510 or on Twitter @NathanKraatz.
