A free family fun festival scheduled for Saturday in Tucson will offer local residents help enrolling in health insurance, among other health-focused activities.
The event, scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon, Dec. 2 at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way, will provide an opportunity for people to get health coverage before two major upcoming enrollment deadlines.
Free help will include assistance with enrolling in Medicare, Medicaid/KidsCare (the Arizona Health Cost Care Containment System, or AHCCCS) and marketplace coverage.
The deadline for enrolling in 2018 marketplace coverage created by the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) is at midnight Dec. 15.
The marketplace is where working-age people may purchase private insurance for themselves and their families, and those who qualify will get federal subsidies to help pay for it. Open enrollment this year is half the length it was last year.
The deadline for open enrollment in Medicare, which is a government insurance program primarily for people over the age of 65, is at midnight Dec. 7.
Medicare open enrollment is when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage for 2018. Anyone who is satisfied that their current Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription plans will meet their needs for next year and are still being offered doesn’t need to do anything.
If you are confused about any of this, enrollment assisters at Saturday’s event can help. The help includes assisting people in figuring out what kind of coverage they are qualified to get.
Walk-ins and appointments are welcome Call 1-800-377-3536 or go to coveraz.org/connector (enter zip 85713)
Other activities at Saturday’s event include the Girls on the Run 5K (gotrtucson.org), the Tucson Medical Center BE Tucson Women’s 5K and open mile (azroadrunners.org), blood pressure checks, vision and dental information, help quitting smoking, plus an anti-bullying station and bouncy house for kids.
Organizers of the event include Tucson Medical Center, the Pima County Enrollnent Coalition and Girls on the Run.
