Health insurance enrollment events set for Dec. 2, 9

CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System will host free "Rock and Enroll" health insurance exchange enrollment events from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Dec. 2 and Dec. 9 at 3101 Kennedy Lane, Suite 1200, Texarkana, Texas. Certified application counselors will be on site to help guide participants through the enrollment process, clarify if their health care provider will continue to be in network and determine if they qualify for insurance premium assistance.

ArkLaTex Council of Governments Agency is offering a premium support program with grant funding provided by CHRISTUS St. Michael. The program is designed to help families and individuals pay premium costs for health care coverage. To determine qualification for premium assistance, participants must bring a pay stub from 2016 or a 2015 tax return. Individuals who are not U.S. citizens must provide proof of legal residence.

Arkansas residents who meet the federal poverty income guidelines do not qualify for the premium support program because their premium costs are already covered through the expansion of Medicaid in Arkansas, also referred to as Arkansas Works.

"Residents from our region need to remember the deadline for enrollment in an insurance plan is Dec. 15 to avoid tax penalties that will occur for those who do not enroll," said Father Lawrence Chellaian, St. Michael vice-president of mission integration. "The goal of the event is to empower people from our area with the knowledge to make informed health insurance decisions in line with America's health care law, the Affordable Care Act. Certified application counselors will be available at the event to educate individuals and families about their health care coverage options, help them enroll or re-enroll and help them determine if they qualify for financial assistance."

"Benefits of having health insurance include less financial exposure for families because hospitalization and emergency services are covered," said Stacye Magness, St. Michael marketing and communications coordinator. "Health insurance provides individuals and families reassurance with expanded opportunity to access health care when needed."

For more information on health insurance options or to make an appointment, call 903-614-2776.

Upcoming Events