Select Page

With this week being the final week of the “Marketplace open enrollment” period for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act, the Will County Health Department’s Community Health Center has announced a special event this Friday at the Downtown Branch of the Joliet Public Library.

Through an initiative of the MAPP Program (Mobilizing for Action Through Planning and Partnerships), the Will County Community Health Center (WCCHC) will be partnering with two other Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness and VNA Health Care, to provide information and help residents looking to sign up for Marketplace health insurance coverage for 2019.

“We want peopleto have access to affordable medical coverage, access to medical care, and toexplore all of their options,” said WCCHC Managed Care Specialist GayleAndrae.  “Residents may find they areincome eligible for a discount, or a subsidy, to help reduce the Marketplacemonthly insurance premiums.  In addition,they may qualify for a tax credit to help reduce the cost of premiums.”

Access to comprehensive, quality healthcare service is important for promoting and maintaining health, preventing and managing disease, and achieving health equity.

Residents withlower income who qualify can receive help enrolling in Medicaid.  Residents are also invited to learn aboutFederally Qualified Health Centers in Will County.  FQHCs offer primary care providerservices.  These services could includeFamily Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Women’s Services (OB/GYN)including Family Planning, as well as Behavioral Health and Dentalservices.  FQHCs can accept insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid; and have a sliding scale for income eligible services,including a pharmacy discount program.

Friday’s event will be 12 Noon to 4 PM, in the Joliet Public Library’s Downtown Branch, 150North Ottawa Street.   Outreach andEnrollment Counselors and representatives will be able to enroll residents, andprovide information on health care services. No appointment is necessary.

For further information, please contact the Will County Community Health Center OutreachSpecialist Hotline at 815-774-6090.  Formore information on the Marketplace, Get Covered Illinois, please go to healthcare.gov, or call toll free at 866-311-1119.