Prince George’s County Department of Social Services Holds Press Event on Health Insurance Open Enrollment
DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD – Prince George’s County is gearing up for year seven of open enrollment for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that begins Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, 2019. This year, there is only a 45-day turn- around for residents to enroll. Prince George’s County wants to make sure that everyone who is eligible gets covered. Uninsured and under-insured residents 18 to 64 years of age may be eligible.
While the uninsured rate in Prince George’s County has declined, 90,000 people are currently uninsured; of which 45,000 people are eligible for insurance. Open enrollment is the primary means for individuals to enroll in health insurance.
“Just having health care isn’t enough. Having a card isn’t enough; it is also access to services. Part of our job as a County is making sure health care is accessible,” says Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Dr. George Askew. Having health insurance is critical to achieving optimal health. Not having health insurance creates daunting challenges for individuals and families for years. Our goal is to encourage residents to get covered now.”
The Maryland Health Connection (MHC), the state’s official health insurance marketplace, provides private plans for health and dental insurance. Residents can benefit by getting tax credits or discounts. Nine out of 10 residents Marylanders, who enroll, qualify for lower costs. Residents, who qualify for Medicaid, are able to enroll year-round for health plans.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) serves as the lead agency in Prince George’s County to provide outreach, education and enrollment services to residents. “We want to be able to reach people throughout the community”, says DSS Director Gloria Brown Burnett. “We are united in Prince George’s County, in providing the critical connection services that would make County residents happier; and healthier. To do this, we’ve had to create a County network, which continues to be beneficial in reducing the uninsured rate in Prince George’s County.”
Through its Prince George’s County Health Connect Program, a consumer assistance organization under MHC, a network has been created. Its partnership includes the local DSS sites; the Health Department, and community based-non-profits, which together provide an access network designed to break down some of the barriers that inhibit enrollment.
Bi-lingual, in-person assistance is available at all of the Department of Social Services (DSS) sites in Hyattsville, Temple Hills and Landover; as well as two storefront locations, at La Union Mall in Langley Park, and the newest site at the Penn Station Shopping Center in District Heights. For a complete listing of locations and hours of operation, visit www.pgchealthconnect.org or call (301) 927-4500.
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Maryland Health Connection (MHC) is the state-based marketplace for Marylanders to shop and enroll in health insurance, as well as determine eligibility for Medicaid and other assistance programs. It is the only place where Marylanders can access financial help such as tax credits to make coverage more affordable.
