Pisgah Legal offering free health insurance help

Free assistance is available for those seeking health insurance through the HealthCare.gov Marketplace, but those interested must enroll by Dec.15 to have coverage starting Jan. 1, 2025. Pisgah Legal Services, an area nonprofit, provides free support with Affordable Care Act enrollments and Medicaid for residents of Western North Carolina, including individuals who lost their coverage owing to job losses caused by Hurricane Helene. Also, for the first time, this year DACA (Differed Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients are eligible to apply for health insurance through the Marketplace. The Marketplace Open Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov began Nov. 1 and continues through Jan.15, 2025. "This is Pisgah Legal's twelfth year of helping people enroll in health insurance through Healthcare.gov, and this year offers new challenges and opportunities," said Executive Director Jackie Kiger. "We are also helping people in WNC access FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency] and disaster aid after Hurricane Helene.

We know how to navigate difficult government and legal systems, and, as always, there is never any pressure to choose a certain plan." Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare. gov (for Spanish-speakers Cuidadodesalud.gov) are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage and cannot be denied coverage based on pre-existing conditions. All plans cover essential benefits, including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and maternity care. Those interested may make an appointment today by visiting www.pisgahlegal. org/health or calling (828) 210-3404. Bilingual Navigators are available to assist in Spanish, and free translation services are available for speakers of other languages. Pisgah Legal and other enrollment partners of WNC participating organizations give local people free, unbiased health insurance information and enrollment assistance in the NC Health Insurance Marketplace. These organizations include: Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., Western Carolina Medical Society, and Pisgah Legal Services. Pisgah Legal Services is a member of the North Carolina Navigator Consortium.