Free program will explain Colorado’s new health care marketplace

A free program explaining how residents can benefit from Colorado’s new health care marketplace is planned for Sunday, Oct. 6, 1 p.m. at Foothills Unitarian Church, 1815 Yorktown Ave. in Fort Collins.

The Health District for Northern Larimer County will explain how the marketplace, called Connect for Health Colorado, will work. People may enroll to get health insurance through the exchange beginning Oct. 1, with coverage to begin Jan. 1, 2014.

Coloradans may shop for insurance coverage by comparing many different insurance companies and their products. Beginning in 2014, under the Affordable Care Act, most citizens are required to purchase health insurance, and insurers may not deny coverage because of pre-existing conditions.

For many people there will be financial assistance (via a tax credit) available to make their health insurance more affordable.

In Larimer County, several sites are being set up to help people determine if they are eligible for financial assistance. Workers will also provide unbiased assistance with understanding various health plans options. At the Oct. 6 program, people may make appointments for one-on-one help at one of these sites.

Connect for Health Colorado also has a new call center which people may call for information. The phone number is 1-855-PLANS-4-YOU (1-855-752-6749).

The Oct. 6 program is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Larimer County and the Health Care Action Team of Foothills Unitarian Church. For more information, contact Ann Molison at 970-377-4228 or amolison@comcast.net.

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