NEON to spread the word about ‘Obamacare’ access

Submitted by NEON

NORWALK, Conn. – The State of Connecticut’s Health Insurance Exchange — Access Health CT — has awarded Norwalk Economic Opportunity Now (NEON) funding to inform the public in both Norwalk and Stamford about their options under the new federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) national health care program often called “Obamacare.”

Open enrollment for the ACA program starts Oct. 1 and ends March 31. New federal insurance coverage begins Jan. 1.

NEON will assist Connecticut residents in understanding their health insurance options and in enrolling in the health insurance program or plan that best meets their needs. Under the Affordable Care Act, residents who otherwise might be unable to afford health coverage may qualify for additional assistance in paying their health premiums or their deductibles and co-payments. This financial assistance is available only through Access Health CT.

Connecticut residents with low incomes may qualify for health care coverage through the Medicaid program (traditional Medicaid and Husky A) or through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), referred to in Connecticut as Husky B, or through other state or local public programs. Access Health CT will help residents get the benefits they need through a single, streamlined application.

The grant awarded to NEON by Access Health CT totals $24,000, which will fund outreach workers in both Norwalk and Stamford.

NEON plans to hold a meeting in August with community hospitals, local health care providers and faith-based communities to ensure that a precise plan will be developed, coordinated and implemented to deliver health care support to members of the community in need, according to NEON Chief Operating Officer Chiquita Stephenson.

For more information about the CT outreach program and to learn more about the new ACA eligibility requirements, call 860-757-5300, or visit Access Health CT’s website.