With Monday marking the first day of open enrollment for Massachusetts residents in need of health insurance, the Massachusetts Health Connector (MHC) kicked off an effort in East Boston to enroll more people from underserved communities in affordable coverage. As part of the effort to enroll more people, Health Connector navigators visited several East Boston businesses on Monday to raise awareness of the open enrollment period.
The Open Enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as “Obamacare”, starts November 1, 2021 and ends on December 15, 2021.
“During Open Enrollment, residents can sign up for affordable health care plan options that may be available through the Health Insurance Marketplace,” said MHC in a statement. “Outside of Open Enrollment, you typically must qualify for a special enrollment period in order to enroll. Health insurance is vital, now more than ever, during a global pandemic that has disproportionately affected minority and low-income populations.”
The ACA has helped millions of people get health care coverage. Before the ACA, health insurance was unaffordable and unavailable for many. Now, with Obamacare, if you meet certain qualifications, the government will help pay for your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. And for those who have preexisting medical conditions, you can no longer be denied coverage under Obamacare.
However, data shows that ethnic populations in Massachusetts – particularly the Latino population – are less likely to have health insurance than the rest of the state. The Health Connector’s access to affordable coverage is open to everyone during Open Enrollment.
To enroll now or find out more info visit www.healthcare.gov.
On Monday in Eastie, leaders from the MHC talked with small business owners, engaged with customers, and left signs and other materials to help drive enrollment in Eastie because the neighborhood has one of the lowest rates of health insurance enrollment in Boston.
The MHC leaders stopped by Rincon Limeño, Eli & Elvis Barbershop, Alipio’s Carniceria Butcher Shop, Taqueria Jalisco, Tu Metapan, Zafiro Barber Shop, Somerville Communications, Pollos A La Brasa El Chalan, Afroditis Laundromat and Sammy Carlo’s and materials in information can be found at those locations throughout Open Enrollment.