Get a haircut and access to signing up for health insurance on 'The Ave' in New Bedford [The Standard-Times, New Bedford, Mass.]

Nov. 16—NEW BEDFORD — Between grabbing a bite to eat, dropping off laundry, or getting a haircut, residents will have ample opportunities to learn more about signing up for affordable health insurance as they traverse Acushnet Avenue.

Over the next couple of months, Massachusetts Health Connector navigators are encouraging residents to enroll in health plans such as MassHealth or ConnectorCare. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 23 and the deadline for coverage to start the new year is Dec. 23.

Signs promoting the health insurance with QR codes to signup are posted at various businesses along Acushnet Avenue. "It's great for us to be so welcomed in an area like that, where people are more likely to be uninsured," said Jason Lefferts, director of Communications and Outreach for Massachusetts Health Connector.

By saturating the community with opportunities to sign up for insurance, Lefferts said the messaging could also result in an increase in COVID-19 vaccination rates, although the COVID-19 vaccine is free regardless of health insurance. Lefferts said over the past couple of years, he has seen a correlation between traditionally higher uninsured populations with higher COVID-19 rates and lower vaccination rates.

"We want to see everyone get vaccinated," he said.

Lefferts said a having health insurance means easier and less expensive visits to the doctor as opposed to the cost of a walk-in emergency room.

Commercial health care plans are offered at free to low rates. Lefferts said lower income residents may qualify for ConnectorCare Premium, which offers low co-payments between $10 to $15 at most.

Signage is posted in English, Spanish and Portuguese, some even offering QR scan codes for easy access with a smartphone. Physical flyers are also available.

Navigators are available for in-person assistance at PACE at 166 William St. as well as the Fishing Partnership Support Services at 398 County St. They will sit down with residents to help start and finish applications to pick the best suitable health care plan. Since the busiest time of enrollment is quickly approaching, Lefferts encourages residents to book an appointment with the navigators now. For current members, he still encourages them to swing by to make sure they're where they're supposed to be with their current plans.

"We want to make more help available for more people," Lefferts said.

To access affordable health care plans, visit mahealthconnector.org for more information.

The informational signs are posted at the following locations:

— A&A Restaurant Supply, 1204 Acushnet Avenue

— The Breakfast Klub, 1232 Acushnet Avenue

— Int. Guatemala Musical and Fashion Acc., 1273 Acushnet Ave

— Elite Cleaners, 1266 Acushnet Avenue

— Lucy's Part Store & Accessories, 1427 Acushnet Avenue

— Union Fruit Market, 1437 Acushnet Avenue

— Our Lady of Angels Band Inc, 1446 Acushnet Avenue

— Copacabana Unisex Hairstyles, 1455 Acushnet Avenue

— Elizabeth's Restaurant, 1461 Acushnet Avenue

— Guys & Gals Sportswear, 1515 Acushnet Avenue

— Crown Fried Chicken, 1570 Acushnet Avenue

— Friendly Liquors, 1567 Acushnet Avenue

— El Mejor Estilo Barbershop, 1584 Acushnet Avenue

— Incognito Bistro & Lounge, 1606 Acushnet Avenue

— Lico Electronics, 1612 Acushnet Avenue

— Expo's III, 1643 Acushnet Avenue

— Charlie's, 1648 Acushnet Avenue

— Uncut Barbershop, 1709 B Acushnet Avenue

— Whaler Seafood, 1719 Acushnet Avenue

— Glass Slipper, 1721 Acushnet Avenue

Standard-Times staff writer Kerri Tallman can be reached at ktallman@s-t.com. Follow her on Twitter at @kerri_tallman for links to recent articles.

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