WASHINGTON — The clock is ticking toward an important healthcare deadline. Open enrollment for DC’s health insurance marketplace ends Wednesday. DC Health Link is working to help people sign-up in person with several events across the city this weekend.
Joseph, who did not want to share his last name, said he is excited to have access to affordable healthcare.
“I thought it was great,” Joseph said.
Joseph said he tried getting help once before but lost his patience.
"I went over to the 645 H Street where all the Medicaid is and the line was too long and I didn't want to bother with it a few months ago,” Joseph said.
Sunday was a different story for him, after attending one of DC Health Link’s pop-up, in-person open enrollment events.
"She answered my questions,” Joseph said. “It turns out it was just a simple thing and everything was taken care of."
He said he’s happy to have the help he needs just a short walk away from his home.
"We know some residents need in person help enrolling and that's why we're here,” Executive Director of DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority, Mila Kofman said. “We have other locations around the city."
DC Health Link set up shop at Ben’s Chili Bowl and several other locations across the city.
"We want to make sure that any resident who doesn’t have health insurance gets covered,” Kofman said.
Kofman said there are 27 different options for budget and includes insurance from Care First, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Kaiser Permanente, and all residents qualify. Health insurance premiums are as low as $13 a month.
Joseph said if they weren’t so close to home he wouldn’t take any action to sign-up.
"I don't like doing stuff online,” Kofman said. “I kind of old school so I would never go online and do it. So, if this wasn't here, I just wouldn't have done anything."
There are 27 different private insurance options available. Click here to sign up or find more information. If you miss the deadline you will have to wait another year.
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