Healthcare Assistance Available at GCC Arcade

BATAVIA, N.Y., March 19 -- The State University of New York'sGenesee Community College issued the following news release:

There are just a couple of weeks left in the current open enrollment period on New York State's health insurance exchange, New York State of Health (NYSH). If you need help figuring out which plan to pursue, Genesee Community College's Arcade Campus Center offers in-person assistance from Wyoming County Health Department navigator Laurie Schaller. Schaller is available at the Arcade Campus Center Outreach Suite on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.GCC Arcade is located at 25 Edward St. in Arcade, NY 14009.

The Affordable Care Act requires all uninsured Americans to sign up for coverage. NYSH has received more than 900,000 applications and nearly 600,000 people have enrolled for coverage since the exchange opened last October. NYSH reports more than 70% of those enrolled were uninsured.

An open enrollment period continues through March 31, 2014. "We encourage individuals to take advantage of the opportunities available on the marketplace, and for those who have completed applications and select a health plan before open enrollment closes," said Donna Frescatore, executive director of NYSH. Those who sign up by March 31 will have coverage beginning May 1, 2014.

"This process is so new to people that it can be overwhelming," said Dr. Deborah DiNoto, associate dean at GCC Arcade. "We're glad to be able to have someone on site to help people understand their options and make the best choice for themselves and their families." The navigator can help people compare plans and see if they qualify for discounts or options such as Medicaid or Child Health Plus.

Schaller has been at Arcade since last fall and has found 40% of people who come in are eligible for Medicaid; other applicants are finding plans at rates less than 50% of their previous plans. To determine the best coverage for a person, Schaller looks at tax filing information and income. Schaller can also counsel people on debt forgiveness, financial aid, disability and employment.

Schaller is at the Arcade Campus Center through a 5-year grant from Wyoming County Health Department and Community Action for Wyoming County. Even after the current open enrollment period ends, she will remain onsite and can council people regarding other health insurance issues until open enrollment through NYSH begins again in November 2014. To contact Schaller, call 1-800-466-1191.

For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: [email protected].

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