If you have questions about how the new health care changes coming January 1, 2014, affect you, you’re not alone.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), which you may have heard referred to as ObamaCare, is the most significant overhaul to the country’s healthcare system in decades and requires most United States citizens and legal residents to have health insurance coverage.
The coverage can be obtained through private insurance companies, government programs (such as Medi-Cal) or purchased through Covered California – our state’s version of the health benefits exchange required by the ACA.
It can all be quite confusing for consumers, but the San Diego County Library and 2-1-1 San Diego are ready to help answer any questions you might have through a series of presentations at various library branches over the next three months.
“These events will give community members the opportunity to learn more about what Covered California will mean for themselves and their families,” said Bill York, chief operating officer of 2-1-1 San Diego. “Our hope is that people who attend these presentations will feel equipped to make informed decisions about the expanding access to healthcare.”
In San Diego County, an estimated 220,000 individuals will be eligible for insurance through Covered California while approximately 111,000 will be newly eligible for Medi-Cal. There are currently an estimated 200,000 county residents who are eligible for Medi-Cal but are not enrolled in the program.
Besides the new health care insurance exchange, eligibility for Medi-Cal is being expanded under the ACA. Medi-Cal provides health care services to low-income Californians who meet eligibility requirements. Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, the program is expanded to cover adults younger than 65 years old who are at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
“Building healthier communities is one of our goals at the County Library,” said Library Director Jose Aponte. “We strive to provide access to the highest quality resources and information for our customers and this new Covered California series does just that.”
Contact the library branch for more information on the presentations. If you are unable to attend a session but would like more information about Covered California, you may call 2-1-1 or visit www.coveredca.com.
Residents can attend any of the presentations at the libraries:
• September 13—3:00 pm, Casa de Oro Library
• September 16—6:00 pm, Encinitas Library
• September 23—6:00 pm, Bonita-Sunnyside Library
• September 26—5:00 pm, Fallbrook Library
• September 27—10:00 am, Santee Library
• October 2—6:30 pm, Borrego Springs Library (Bilingual: English/Spanish)
• October 3—6:30 pm, San Marcos Library (Bilingual: English/Spanish)
• October 14—3:00 pm, Lakeside Library (Bilingual: English/Spanish)
• October 24—6:00 pm, Poway Library
• November 1—10:00 am, Del Mar Library
• November 7—6:00 pm, Rancho San Diego Library
• November 21—10:30 am, Fletcher Hills Library
