Ivy Tech sets sessions for free assistance in enrolling in the Healthcare Marketplace

Health Navigators will be available in Kokomo, Logansport, Wabash

KOKOMO, Ind. — Individuals who are seeking healthcare insurance through the Healthcare Marketplace are invited to attend one of six free informational events scheduled at Ivy Tech Community College facilities in Kokomo, Logansport and Wabash. Healthcare navigators from Affiliated Service Providers of Indiana (ASPIN) who are experts in the field will be on hand to help guide people in assessing the new health insurance options made available under the Affordable Care Act. The current open enrollment period closes Feb. 15.

Plans that are offered through the health insurance marketplace are required to cover the basics – doctor visits, hospital stays, preventive care, prescriptions and more, and participants may be able to get help paying for the cost of new insurance or may qualify for low-cost options. The navigators will review programs and plans available and help individuals identify options that meet their needs and budget. Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis and no advance registration is needed.

Sessions are scheduled as follows:

Logansport Campus:
Dec. 4 – 2 to 6 p.m., Student Entrance
Jan. 28 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Student Entrance

Kokomo Campus:
Dec. 8 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Main Lobby
Feb. 3 – 2 to 6 p.m., TBD

Wabash Campus:
Dec. 10 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hallway near Main Office
Jan. 29 – 2 to 6 p.m., Hallway near Main Office

This opportunity is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which provides Hoosiers access to navigators who can help them understand their options in the marketplace. Ivy Tech Community College is among the partners supporting these outreach events. The navigators are unbiased and are not compensated by insurance companies. During the 2013-14 enrollment period, ASPIN health navigators helped thousands of Hoosier find health plans. They are also able to help individuals with their questions regarding Medicaid, CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) and HIP (Healthy Indiana Plan) enrollment.

ASPIN is a not-for-profit network whose mission is to provide innovative educational programs, resource management, program development and network management in collaboration with all healthcare entities to address healthcare disparities. ASPIN Health Navigators also provides a free help line, available at 877-313-7215.