Representatives will be at 24 libraries around the state to sign up people for health insurance.
Baltimore, Md (KM) Public libraries throughout Maryland will taking part in “Library Enrollment Day” on Saturday, December 10th. Betsy Plunkett, the Deputy Director of Marketing and Web Strategies for the Maryland Health Connection, says representatives will be on hand at 24 libraries around the state, answering questions about health and dental coverage, and helping citizens sign up.
“In your area, they’ll be at the Thurmont Regional Library,” says Plunkett. “They’ll be a couple of navigators there to enroll people, and to answer any questions people might have.” The hours will be from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 10th.
She says anyone whose interested in signing up for health or dental insurance should bring the Social Security numbers and birth dates of anyone in their families who need coverage, policy numbers for current health insurance, and immigrants need to bring documents to prove they are in the US legally. “And also, if anyone has coverage from their job, they should bring that information, as well as what their income level is. They can bring a pay stub or a W-2 form, and a photo i.d.,” says Plunkett.
The deadline to enroll in health and dental insurance so that coverage can begin on January 1st, 2017 is December 15th, 2016. The open enrollment deadline is January 31st, 2017. Medicaid enrollment is year round.
During the campaign, Republican Donald Trump promised to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which is often called “Obamacare.” Plunkett says some residents who signed up for health coverage through the Maryland Health Connection have asked what would happen to their insurance if that law is repealed. “We don’t have any answers for that, except that for today, the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land, having health insurance is mandatory. Even if it weren’t, it can bring you peace of mind,” says Plunkett.
The Maryland Health Connection says it’s the only place where residents can get financial help to cover the cost of health insurance. The agency says nine out of ten Marylanders received financial help to pay for their coverage plan.
By Kevin McManus