By David Castro, Senior Web Editor, NCLR
Navigators work on enrolling Miami residents during our recent ACA enrollment event.
We're down to the final days before the February 15 deadline for enrollment under the Affordable Care Act. Still have questions and concerns about what you need to do? We have answers for you--whether you live in a mixed-immigration-status household, are uncertain about whether or not you can afford health insurance, or have a preexisting condition that previously kept you from getting insured.
There are only a few days left to enroll, so don't delay! Gather the information you need, then visit www.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to get covered. You can also go to localhelp.healthcare.gov to find out where you can get free, in-person assistance in your area.
It's important to note that even if you were denied coverage before, you should still go ahead and submit a new application before February 15. We spoke with enrollees and navigators about this during an enrollment event held last Sunday at the NCLR Florida Regional Office in Miami.
"They should submit an application because their situation may have changed. They may have a new job, their annual income may have increased, or maybe they even lost their job," said Eduardo Pineda, who works with NCLR Affiliate Hispanic Unity of Florida. "All of these situations affect their eligibility, so they should come in and submit an application."
Miami resident Nidia Brenes came to Sunday's enrollment event to do just that. With the individualized help of navigators from the National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA), she was able to successfully complete her application for health insurance coverage. Brenes said that those applying for coverage "should bring copies of their income tax statements, proof of address, and proof of legal status."
As the February 15 deadline approaches, NHCOA navigator Iliana Mundarain urged people to seek resources to get their questions answered, reminding all that "time is limited." She has seen first-hand how people have benefited from having their concerns answered and getting enrolled.
"We have a lot of people who have subscribed who have very good health insurance that covers the necessities they have [for their health]," she said.
That is why Mundarain offers a clear message for those who haven't yet gotten covered. "Run! Come and do it before February 15!"
The deadline to sign up for health care is this Sunday, February 15. Don't delay! Sign up today!
This was first posted to the NCLR Blog.