HEALTH CONNECTOR CAMPAIGNS ON GETTING LOWELL RESIDENTS COVERED WITH HEALTH INSURANCE

By Soben On Nov 25, 2019

Joan chu Community Organizer and Health Connector Coverage Crew member

LOWELL– Open enrollment has officially kicked off and now the residents of Massachusetts can start enrolling in new plans. During Open Enrollment, which runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 23, anyone can apply for coverage through MAhealthconnector.org or with a local navigator.

The City of Lowell was listed as the #2 most uninsured city in Massachusetts. That is why The Health Connector is focusing its efforts in making a stong awareness campaign on the community of Lowell. Health Connector was joined by Mayor William Samaras of Lowell and local community leaders this month to create awareness about the importance of having health insurance. After the press conference participants visited small businesses in the city to leave information for the residents of Lowell.

“Having health coverage is important, and now signing up is easier than ever, thanks to the Health Connector,” said Mayor Samaras. “I’m thrilled to join with the Health Connector to push for more residents of Lowell to know their options and to get covered during this Open Enrollment period.”

Members and new applicants will find new functions this year that will help make it easier than ever before for them apply for coverage, maintain their account, or select a plan.

The Health Connector’s website, MAhealthconnector.org, has been upgraded for mobile platforms. Many Health Connector members do not have ready access to a computer, and the upgraded platform will make it easier for members to navigate with a phone or tablet. Applicants and members are often asked to provide documentation to verify eligibility in their application or account. A new document upload feature makes it easy for users to send in those documents and keep their information up-to-date and accurate. A new total-cost calculator is available to unsubsidized members for the first time, in response to member feedback. This tool will help users better understand potential spending over the course of year beyond their premiums, which will help make it easier for them to select the best plan for their needs.

Open Enrollment runs through Jan. 23, but many people like to have coverage in place for the New Year. For those who want coverage starting Jan.1, the deadline to apply, pick a plan and pay for it is Dec. 23. Navigators, who are trained and experienced in helping people enroll in Health Connector coverage, are available to meet in-person with people who need help with an application or have a question about their existing coverage. Last year, Navigators provided help more than 100,000 times. People can find a local Navigator or other assister at MAhealthconnector.org/enrollment-assisters.

This article is contributed to KhmerPost USA by Valentina Amaro of ASG.