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Final Push Before ObamaCare Deadline – Need Assistance? Three Enrollment Sessions in Coming Days

By Jesse Wood

Feb. 27, 2014. Eric Schneider, an outreach and eligibility specialist with High Country Community Health, said the clinic is making a final push to assist as many people as possible with their health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare, before enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace ends on March 31.

Schneider said that while enrollment ends on March 31, people who enroll and have the initial premium payment in by March 15 will be covered once the first of April arrives. For those without insurance for three months or longer in 2014 will face a tax penalty unless they qualify for an exception.

He noted that High Country Community Health would hold “unconventional hours” for the convenience of customers on March 21. On this day, the clinic will be open 12:30 to 8 p.m. Appointments and walk-ins are welcome. These two days, which are sponsored by the Morganton office of Legal Aid of NC, will feature additional healthcare navigators to assist with customers.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-855-733-3711 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday and Thursday. Be sure to bring projected income information, tax information and social security number.

In addition to those two days with Legal Aid of NC navigators, the Watauga County Public Library will host group enrollment sessions on:

  • Saturday, March 22, at 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 29, at 2 p.m

Seating is limited, so reserve a spot by calling the Watauga County Public Library at 828-264-8784, ext. 2. Be sure to bring projected income information, tax information and social security number.

To schedule a one-on-one appointment, contact Schneider at 828-773-7297 or erichcch@gmail.com. Be sure to bring projected income information, tax information and social security number.

Schneider mentioned that even if people think they may not qualify, they should still schedule an appointment or drop-in during the noted days above to have a “deeper look” with certified enrollment specialists. He also said that people who are already insured could save “a lot of money” by enrolling in the marketplace and taking advantage of federal subsidies. And if you don’t qualify, Schneider said staff can help folks fill out appropriate forms that may help avoid a tax penalty. 

For more information, contact Schneider at 828-773-7297 or erichcch@gmail.com

To enroll, click to www.healthcare.gov