The Affordable Care Act, your taxes, your healthcare

The Community Health Education Project (CHEP) of Enroll Virginia! will conduct an information session at the Waynesboro Public Library on Wednesday, March 25 at 7pm. This is part of a series of presentations aimed at educating the public, both individuals and business owners, about the options available for healthcare coverage. Enroll Virginia! is a nonpartisan, community-based effort to educate Virginians about the new health insurance marketplace and provide free, unbiased assistance with the application and enrollment process.

For many previously uninsured, this has been the first time they have applied for health coverage, selected a health plan, and used coverage to obtain services. As a result, many Virginians have questions about their new health insurance options, applying for premium subsidies through the Marketplace, and the impact on their tax returns. Providing assistance through efforts like Enroll Virginia! is critical to educating small business owners and individuals about the new coverage options and helping them connect coverage to care.

Enroll Virginia! Assisters are able to work directly with and provide online access to the Marketplace so that consumers can better understand their options and make informed decisions without any pressure. While Assisters cannot and will not recommend any option, they will show how the policy options provide coverage. One additional benefit of this program is that it can relieve state Social Service workers of a portion of their administrative burden by assessing individual eligibility for Medicaid and FAMIS as part of the enrollment process.

Enroll Virginia! is working throughout the Commonwealth to educate Virginians about the new Marketplace and provide application assistance to small businesses and individuals who need more information. Before providing any assistance to consumers, all of the professionals working with Enroll Virginia complete training on the new Marketplace, available insurance plans, financial assistance, and Virginia’s Medicaid and FAMIS programs. This comprehensive training is the most required of any assister certified to help Virginians with the new Marketplace.

Enrollment assistance and healthcare coverage information can be obtained by contacting an Enroll Virginia! Navigator or In-person Assister at Blue Ridge Legal Services (540) 433-7319.