Local briefs

Pace to offer Health Insurance Navigator during upcoming federal enrollment

The Federal Marketplace Open Enrollment Period began on Nov. 1, and officials at Pace Community Action Agency Inc. are looking to help people through the process with their Health Insurance Navigator.

The program helps consumers navigate through the insurance enrollment process and with selecting a health insurance plan that "best suits the individual and their family," according to a press release issued by Pace this week.

The federal government has extended the open enrollment process to Jan. 15 to allow individuals additional time to secure coverage. Tax credits, too, have been added for the Marketplace plans.

During the enrollment time, individuals or families can enroll in health insurance who have not qualified for a special enrollment period throughout the year. Medicaid program members may also change their coverage provider or make changes to their current plan.

Laura Grove, certified Health Insurance Navigator said, "Healthcare coverage is more important now than ever before. Health insurance is extremely important considering the current crisis we are facing.

"Open enrollment allows everyone to apply for federal marketplace insurance without special enrollment period reasons. You can also change plans at this time. Health insurance provides preventative health check- ups, enhanced benefits, and access to immediate care to encourage healthy living."

Pace's Health Insurance Navigation program covers Daviess, Greene, Knox, and Sullivan counties. For more information, call Pace at 812-882-7927 ext. 1238.

United Way of Knox County to host community conversation tonight

The United Way of Knox County will hold the final community conversation in conjunction with its ongoing 21-Week Equity Challenge at 6:30 p.m. tonight in the Technology Room at the Vincennes University Learning Resource Center.

This community conversation will explore how to talk about diversity, equity and inclusion with kids and teens and will be guided by a small panel of individuals who work closely with youngsters.

For more information about the 21-Week Equity Challenge, visit https://www.unitedwayof knoxcounty.org/21.

Nearing its end, the challenge aimed to make the community more inclusive by helping people of all backgrounds recognize their own biases - particularly in terms of race, class and gender.

Democrats' 'Small Town, Indiana' tour to make stop here

Sen. Shelli Yoder, District 40, along with Kent Yeager, deputy chair of the Indiana Democrats - Rural Communities, and Sally Sloan, executive director of the American Federation of Teachers - Indiana, will visit with locals during their "Small Town, Indiana" press tour this week.

The event will be at 6 p.m. tonight at Vincennes University's Technology Center, 1300 Chestnut St., Room 115.

The 14-stop press tour has been highlighting how Democrats are delivering for Indiana's rural communities, specifically in terms of broadband internet expansion, funds for childcare service providers and money for Indiana's public schools, according to a press release.