San Rafael, CA – Starting Oct. 1, some of the estimated 11,500 uninsured Marin residents will have the opportunity to obtain health care through a new health insurance marketplace, Covered California. Additionally, some will get free insurance with the expansion of Medi-Cal, California’s public insurance program. Coverage begins in January 2014 as part of the national Affordable Care Act (ACA) campaign, and open enrollment for the marketplace will continue through March 2014.
There are three easy ways to apply:
1) Call Covered California at 1-800-300-1506.
2) Apply at www.coveredca.com. Depending on your income, you may be eligible to receive tax credits and subsidies for you health insurance. You can calculate your health care costs on the website.
3) Apply or in person at one of the Marin County Health and Human Services (HHS) Public Assistance offices. Call 473-3400 for more information.
If you are a Marin resident with health insurance, the Affordable Care Act likely will not affect your coverage. However, there are bigger benefits to having everyone in Marin covered. “The more people participate in the health insurance system, the more efficient and affordable health care will be for us all,” said Larry Meredith, Ph.D., Director of Marin HHS.
Access to medical care can prevent health issues from occurring that could create burdensome health care costs if left untreated, said Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County Public Health Officer. “ACA means a healthier Marin, which also means a more productive and vibrant community,” he said.
To learn more about ACA implementation in Marin visit coveredmarin.org or attend a public meeting on Friday, Oct. 4, from 1-2:30 p.m. at the County’s Health and Wellness Campus, 3240 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, please RSVP to kkipp@marincounty.org.