City Libraries to Provide Assistance for Open Enrollment for Health Care Plans

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 26 -- Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren issued the following news release:

Mayor Lovely A. Warren today announced opportunities for one-on-one assistance for enrolling or renewing health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The Central Library Downtown and select City branch libraries will host numerous events offering information and individualized help with the State's online Health Insurance Marketplace.

"The health of our citizens is vital to the health of our city," said Mayor Warren. "If we want to continue our progress in creating more jobs, safer and more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities, it is incumbent upon us to help families get the health care they need."

Open enrollment for 2018 coverage begins Nov. 1, 2017 and closes Jan. 31, 2018. Residents must enroll by Dec. 15 to ensure coverage by Jan. 1, 2018.

Current enrollees in a 2017 Marketplace plan will see benefits end Dec. 31, 2017. To continue their health coverage in 2018, residents may either renew their current health plan or choose a new health plan through the Marketplace during open enrollment.

Through Jan. 31, 2017, Healthcare Navigators from LawNY, Fidelis Care, Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield and Coordinated Care Services, Inc. will help individuals and families enroll in or renew coverage at participating libraries.

"As a mission-driven health plan, our dedication to help individuals and families access quality, affordable health coverage is a priority, and one that makes our partnership with the City of Rochester so important during Open Enrollment," said Fidelis Care Chief Marketing Officer Pam Hassen. "Fidelis Care is here to help local residents learn more about their options, and to choose the coverage that's right for them and their families."

"Having affordable health insurance is essential to getting the health care you need," said Jim Redmond, regional vice-president of Communications and Community Investment for Excellus BCBS. "Despite the noise from Washington, the Affordable Care Act is still the law of the land, and we continue to offer coverage that ranges from no-cost to low-cost."

Navigators help to remove barriers to the application process by providing assistance in multiple languages, in community based settings during non-traditional hours such as evenings and weekends. Those looking for assistance in enrolling are asked to bring current income documents such as paystubs for the past two months. No appointment is necessary. Navigators will be at the following neighborhood branch libraries on the following days.

* Central Library, 115 South Ave.; noon to 6 p.m., third floor Health Section; Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 27; Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31

* Lyell Branch Library, 956 Lyell Ave.; 1 to 5 p.m.; Nov. 1; Dec. 7 and 13; Jan. 3 and 23

* Phillis Wheatley Library, 33 Dr. Samuel McCree Way; 1 to 5 p.m.; Nov. 3 and 29; Dec. 6; Jan 5 and 31

* Lincoln Branch Library, 851 Joseph Ave.; 1 to 5 p.m.; Nov. 8 and 22; Dec. 20; Jan. 10 and 17. Spanish speaking navigators available at this location

* Sully Branch Library, 530 Webster Ave.; 1 to 5 p.m.; Nov. 15; Dec. 27; Jan. 24

* Winton Branch Library, 611 N. Winton Road; 1 to 5 p.m.; Nov. 16; Jan. 18

For more information about enrollment assistance, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/ACA, or call (585) 428-7300.

Navigator and In-Person Assistance programs are federally-funded and operated in accordance with the Affordable Care Act to make in-person support broadly available for those who need additional assistance enrolling.