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Moore, Alicea sponsor ‘Connect to Health’
informational session in Southbridge
October 16, 2007...Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge and Rep. Geraldo Alicea, D-Charlton, will be teaming up with the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority to hold a “Connect to Health” enrollment event on Monday, October 22, 2007, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. at the Southbridge Armory,153 Chestnut Street, Southbridge. The informational session will provide important facts about the state’s new health care reform law and give area residents a chance to enroll in a qualified plan. “Individuals should take advantage of this opportunity to find out if they qualify for the Connector’s low or no cost health insurance plans,” said Moore. “It is essential that residents are aware of the health options available to them before the Nov. 15th deadline to avoid penalties.” Most Massachusetts adults are now required to have health insurance. More than 180,000 have enrolled during the past year. "The new health insurance law sometimes seems complicated and cumbersome to individuals," stated Alicea, "But this event is an excellent opportunity for one stop shopping when it comes to getting informed and enrolled through the Commonwealth Connector. The experts here will be able to assist anyone who has questions." Hubbard Regional Hospital, Harrington Memorial Hospital, MA League of Community Health Centers, UMass Memorial Medical Center and the Massachusetts Hospital Association will be co-sponsors, and they will send local enrollment experts to participate in the event. "We’ve made remarkable progress in a very short period of time, but there is still much work to do,” said Health Connector Executive Director Jon Kingsdale. “We’re extremely grateful to Sen. Moore and Rep. Alicea for helping us bring this critical opportunity directly to the people of Southbridge.” Adults who do not have health insurance this year will lose their personal exemption worth $219 when they file their next state tax return. Penalties will be significantly higher beginning Jan. 1 for most people. Detailed information on the new health plans is also available on the Health Connector’s website, www.MAhealthconnector.org, or by calling 1-877-MA-ENROLL weekdays. |