***For Immediate Release***
December 1, 2014
Contact, Jeff SheldonCommunications Director, Nebraska Appleseed
Office: (402) 438-8853
Mobile: (402) 840-7289
jsheldon@neappleseed.org
“500 by the 15th” campaign aims to help Nebraskans get health coverage
Statewide health care organizations available to provide free assistance
Today, community and health care organizations across Nebraska announced the kickoff of a new effort to ensure Nebraskans get vital health insurance in December.
The “500 By The 15th” campaign seeks to help Nebraskans who need health coverage, but may feel they cannot afford insurance, to explore their options using free, in-person assistance that is available statewide.
Enroll Nebraska, a statewide network of health care providers, community organizations, in-person assisters, and advocacy groups, announced the goal of helping 500 Nebraskans enroll in coverage or renew coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace by December 15.
“Nebraska is a better, stronger state when our people are healthy, and part of maintaining health is being able to get needed medical care,” said Keshia Bradford, Director of Outreach and Enrollment for the Health Center Association of Nebraska. “The Health Insurance Marketplace has many different options for coverage for Nebraskans, and with tax credits, plans are affordable.”
To help reach the goal of helping 500 Nebraskans enroll or renew in coverage by December 15, organizations are planning extended hours, special events to promote enrollment assistance, or increased outreach efforts to spread the word about the free help that is available for Nebraskans to look at different insurance plans.
Nebraskans can get assistance to understand health coverage options at local Community Action Partnerships, local public health departments, or members of the Health Center Association of Nebraska. See this map to find free local help. Or people can get help over the phone by calling, toll-free 1-800-318-2596.
“During the last enrollment period, more than 40,000 Nebraskans signed up for the health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. It was a huge success in our state,” said Eric Savaiano, Statewide Coordinator for Enroll Nebraska. “We want to continue that success this year by helping even more Nebraskans get the health coverage that leads to healthy families, productive employees, and strong communities.”