LAWRENCE – The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. is offering extended customer service hours to help residents sign up for health insurance.
Open enrollment for plans offered through the Massachusetts Health Connector runs from Nov. 1, 2019 through Jan. 23, 2020. This is the time of year when anyone without health insurance can sign up for coverage and when existing Health Connector members can shop for the best plan for the new year.
“If you don’t have health insurance or are interested in shopping around, now is the time to set up an appointment with one of our knowledgeable navigators,’’ said Evelyn Friedman, GLCAC’s executive director. “Choosing a health plan can be overwhelming, but our staff is here to help families find a quality, affordable option.’’
State law requires Massachusetts residents to have health insurance that meets state standards or potentially face a tax penalty.
GLCAC has been designated an official Navigator by the Health Connector and will be open extra hours during the open enrollment period to help residents gain access to health care coverage.
Call GLCAC at (978) 620-4784 to set up an appointment with a Navigator staff member. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times.
Through Jan. 23, Navigator hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The agency will also be open Saturday, Nov. 16, Dec. 14 and Jan. 11 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Walk-in appointments will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis Monday through Thursday mornings.
For plans starting Jan. 1, 2020, the deadline to complete an application, pick a plan and make a payment is Dec. 23.
GLCAC is a multi-faceted social services agency that assisted 32,648 individuals in 2018 through a range of programs including early childhood education, fuel assistance, WIC nutrition assistance, immigration services, lead poisoning prevention, child abuse prevention, English-language lessons, and consumer protection.
