Get America Covered - Part 2

On Thursday, February 12^th NCS hosted its second healthcare enrollment day with Enroll America.  This time around, the event was held at the office of the NCS anti-violence initiative, Newark United Against Violence, and it was open to general public.  Despite the snow and ice, 21 people stopped by the office for assistance and 18 were signed up for health insurance on the spot. 

NCS Program Coordinator, Wynnie Victor-Hinds, also took some time to talk with Michele Lewis, the Essex County Organizer for Enroll America.  When asked to describe the goals of their organization, Ms. Lewis said what she really wants people to know is that it is an easy process.  She highlighted that individuals can get signed up in three ways:

1.      By visiting the website, www.healthcare.gov  

Which, Ms. Lewis pointed out, has improved dramatically since the shaky initial roll out in October of 2013

2.      By phone, 1-800-218-2596

3.      At an in person enrollment event

Ms. Lewis stated this is often he preferred method as there is a person with you to help break down the options.  For example, Ms. Lewis indicated that individuals often do not realize that they are eligible for Medicaid so getting enrollment assistance from someone who is Medicaid certified can make a huge difference in that individual’s experience and outcome.

NCS thanks Enroll America for all their hard work and we look forward to collaborating with them again during the next open enrollment period.  I would also like to say a big THANK YOU to our zone officers who passed out event flyers to individuals and businesses in the neighborhood.  It was an awesome example of the Newark Police Department going the extra mile to look out for health and well-being of Newark citizens.  Great work all around!