D.C. seeks to enroll new Obamacare policyholders through government website

The Washington, D.C., Health Benefit Exchange Authority launched a program designed to enroll more District residents for health insurance through the government-run DC Link, created under the Affordable Care Act.

The following is a statement from D.C. government:

DC Health Link Going Door-to-Door and Visiting Churches to Enroll Residents

With the Open Enrollment Period deadline rapidly approaching on January 31st, DC Health Link is targeting neighborhoods with higher uninsured populations for direct door-to-door outreach.  DC Health Link representatives and staff along with local leaders, community advocates, and volunteers will take to the streets in a door-to-door canvassing campaign to educate residents in Wards 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and health insurance options through DC Health Link, the District’s online health insurance marketplace.

DC Health Link isn’t stopping there!

The District’s faith community has been an invaluable partner in the effort to reach, educate and enroll consumers in quality affordable health insurance. At three DC churches on Sunday, information will be shared from the pulpit about the ACA and the importance of good health and quality, affordable health insurance coverage through DC Health Link. At one church, a bilingual, case manager will be on-site to provide free, confidential enrollment support and help with plan selection. This case manager will also answer questions, and provide information about financial help with plan premiums and Medicaid.

When/Where:

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Ward 4 Canvass, 12 pm

Staging Site: Culture Coffee, 709 Kennedy Street, NW

Note: At 12:30pm, canvassers will gather at corner of Madison Street and 9th St, NW to begin canvassing

Ward 5 Canvass, 12 pm

Staging Site: Corner of 21st and Maryland Avenue, NE

Note: After first route is complete, canvassers will meet at 21st & H Street, NE for the second route

Ward 6 Canvass, 12 pm

Staging Site: Harris Teeter, 1350 Potomac Avenue, SE

Note: The group will gather at 12:30pm and then canvass from 1:00pm-3:30pm.

Ward 7/8 Canvass, 12 pm

Staging Site: Corner of Malcolm X and Oakwood (Ward 8)

Note: Once Ward 8 route is completed, canvassers will travel to Ward 7 and meet at Jones Memorial Church (4625 G Street, SE) to begin Ward 7 canvass.

District Places of Worship

Our Lady Queens of the Americas Catholic Church

2200 California Street, NW

Sunday, January 15, 2017

9 am – 1 pm

(On-site bilingual case manager)

First Baptist Church

1328 16th Street, NW

Sunday, January 15, 2017

8 am and 11 am

(Message from pulpit, bulletin)

St. John United Baptist Church

6343 13th Street, NW

Sunday, January 15, 2017

10 am

(Message from pulpit, bulletin)

Background:

The Affordable Care Act provides individuals, families, and small businesses in the District of Columbia with affordable options for quality health insurance. DC Health Link is the District’s online health insurance marketplace which allows visitors to shop, compare, and enroll in coverage that fits their needs and budgets.

Open Enrollment for individuals and families began November 1, 2016 and ends January 31, 2017. There are 20 private health insurance options (including 2 catastrophic plans) from CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente for individuals and families. Eligible District residents can enroll in a health insurance plan online through DCHealthLink.com or by calling (855) 532-LINK [5465]. Plan selections made by the 15th of each month during Open Enrollment will be effective on the first day of the following month. Small businesses—as well as individuals and families eligible for Medicaid—can enroll through DCHealthLink.com at any point.