SRA opens local health insurance enrollment centers

Individuals seeking health insurance under the Affordable Care Act can enroll now through Jan. 31,2016.

In an effort to increase the number of insured San Antonians, SRA International opened two local enrollment assistance centers on Nov. 1.

The North San Antonio Enrollment Assistance Center is located at 842 NW Loop 410, Suite 111 while the South San Antonio Enrollment Assistance Center is located at 1950 SW Military Dr.

Specialists at these centers can help individuals navigate the Marketplace and review their options to determine the best coverage.

Kim Thomas, SRA site supervisor for the North San Antonio center, said the healthcare.gov website is easier to maneuver this enrollment season, but urges individuals who need help going through the process to visit the center.

The penalty for not having health insurance in 2016 will be $695 per adult and $346.50 per child, or 2.5 percent of the household income, whichever is greater.

However, that's not the primary reason Thomas is urging the community to enroll in a health insurance plan.

"It's important that the residents and the community understand that it's important to have the coverage not just because of the penalty, but more for their security," Thomas said.

According to a study by the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation, Hispanics are the most uninsured group in the country. In an effort to close the disparity gap, 90 percent of the staff is bilingual at both centers.

Francis Montoya, a bilingual in-person assister at the North San Antonio Enrollment Assistance Center, said she enjoys being able to help the community fully understand the concept of the Affordable Care Act and being able to break down language barriers.

"Being able to help the community is huge for me because I know it doesn't feel good when you don't understand what's going on," Montoya said. "Through the center, I can help people understand the process so that no one is left behind."

Aside from breaking down language barriers, Montoya also helps individuals who do not know how to use a computer and others who simply want face-to-face interaction when completing their application.

Jackeline Chavez applied on Saturday at the North San Antonio location. This will be her third year getting coverage through the Marketplace.

"At first I didn't understand how the Affordable Care Act worked, but since getting coverage, I've seen the benefits it has. I have a family of three and qualify for credits, so it really is a big help," Chavez told La Prensa.

She added that she likes to go to the enrollment center to make sure she is enrolling correctly.

"They really do help and answer any doubts I have when I don't understand the process," Chavez said. "They're always very helpful and make it clear."

The services provided at the enrollment centers are free.

When coming to the center, individuals should bring the following documents of all household members: social security numbers, any immigration documents, recent pay subs or tax statements and current health insurance plan information.

Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Tuesday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

SRA International provides information technology services to clients in health care and public health, as well as in national security and civil government.

By Natalie Bobadilla

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