Posted by Meredith on Thursday, Oct 16, 2014
The Iowa City Public Library is co-sponsoring a series of Affordable Care Act information and enrollment sessions in November and December coinciding with open enrollment. With the help of certified Planned Parenthood Navigator Karen Wielert, the Library hopes to help everyone in the community better understand the ramifications of the law and help those currently uninsured obtain health care coverage.
Under the Affordable Care Act, all United States citizens and non-citizens with a qualifying immigration status are required to have health coverage for the entire year of 2014 or pay a penalty. This penalty will be assessed when individuals file their 2014 income taxes. The Library’s “Understanding the Affordable Care Act” series aims to help both the uninsured and insured know how the law will impact them.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, insured individuals can come and learn about the standards health plans must meet to comply with the Act, and learn how to determine if their current plan is considered affordable or if they qualify for Marketplace coverage.
Sessions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6will focus on how to assess tax penalties for not having coverage, determine if an individual qualifies for a penalty exemption, and underlines the kinds of plans available based on income. After each session, individuals are encouraged to ask questions or seek assistance enrolling in the Marketplace.
“These sessions will give consumers the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the Affordable Care Act and the importance of having health insurance. I am looking forward to being able to help consumers enroll in affordable coverage that will meet their needs," Wielert said.
All sessions of this series will be held in the ICPL’s Computer Lab on the second floor. These sessions are free.
For more information about this program, visit www.icpl.org or call the Library at (319) 356-5200.