In an effort to reinforce the importance of health care access and affordability for everyone, Secretary John Polanowicz, executive director of Health and Human Services came to Lawrence to outline the crucial dates approaching. He was joined by Jean Yang, executive director of the Massachusetts Health Connector, Evelyn Friedman, executive director of the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc., Mayor Dan Rivera and members of his Health Task Force.
The next Open Enrollment for the Commonwealth starts on November 15 through February 15 and everyone who is in Health Connector coverage or was placed in temporary coverage over the last year will need to submit a new application if they still want to be covered by health insurance through the state.
“We know how important is for people to be covered because as soon as they are, they see a doctor and begin the process for wellness,” said Secretary Polanowicz.
He was also very apologetic for the problems of the past trying to sign up. “The website is going to be light years better than it was.”
Ms. Yang also agreed that, “It’s been challenging and there were lessons learned. The use of the website is not comfortable, that’s why we have the navigators. Greater Lawrence Community Action Council as well as many other organizations across the state have a number of well-trained people to help you find out if you qualify and select the best plan for your family. This should take place by December 23 in order to be covered by January 1st, 2015.”
Mayor Rivera encourages everyone to re-enroll as soon as possible. “A city is only as good as the health of its residents. We need to bring the right services to them.”
There are more than 400,000 people that need to be moved from Health Connector programs or temporary Medicaid coverage to Commonwealth Health Care and they must make the transition and send their payment by January 23, 2015. Temporary coverage members will begin receiving notices after November 15.
Vilma Lora, director of the Mayor’s Health Task Force mentioned the need for materials in Spanish to inform the communities.
“Yes, there has to be a major media outreach,” agreed Mayor Rivera.
Martha Velez, executive director of the Lawrence Senior Center advised that the message needs to be directed to groups differently. “Elders or new arrivals need to be approached differently.”
“The GLCAC is pleased to once again be the place for residents of Greater Lawrence to get the help they need to sign up for health coverage through the Health Connector,” said Evelyn Friedman, the Executive Director of the GLCAC. “Our staff of navigators can help the uninsured and those who need to enroll again to understand all their options and get the coverage that is right for them.”
