Kickoff Events in Austin, Dallas, and Houston Mark 100 Days Until Open Enrollment Starts

AUSTIN, TX – With open enrollment in the new health insurance marketplaces just 100 days away, Enroll America – the nation’s leading healthcare enrollment coalition – is launching the Get Covered America campaign in Texas to start a conversation with consumers about the benefits of health coverage and the new health care options they’ll have starting October 1^st.

 
“This fall, affordable health insurance will finally be available to the millions of Americans who need it, and we’re here to spread the word to people in Texas, to let them know what their options are and how they can enroll,” said Mimi Garcia, Texas State Director for Enroll America. “We’ll be engaging consumers across Texas, by knocking on doors, gathering folks together at information sessions, and working with local organizations and community centers. We have a dedicated team of staff and volunteers in place who are committed to making sure that come October, people across Texas will have the information and tools they need to choose an affordable health care plan that works best for their families.”

 
As a result of the Affordable Care Act, a new Health Insurance Marketplace will open in Texas that will allow Texans to compare prices and shop for health insurance – by phone, on-line, or in-person.  The insurance plans offered through the Marketplace will cover doctor visits, hospital stays, preventive care, prescriptions and more.  And there will be financial assistance available for many Texans. 

 
Get Covered America has staff and volunteers on the ground in Texas engaging people directly by going door-to-door, talking to consumers at places like grocery stores and community centers, and working with local organizations – like community health centers, places of worship, and schools - to get the word out about the new Marketplace.  A central component of the Get Covered America effort will be engagement with young people, key minority communities, and women.  The campaign will partner with groups like the Center for Public Priorities, Texas Health Institute, Texas Organizing Project, the Austin Sustainable Food Center, Central Health, the United Way for Greater Austin, City Square, the Greater Dallas Community Council, Gateway to Care, and Good Neighbor Healthcare Center.

 
“We at Gateway to Care, and the over 167 organizations we collaborate with on working to improve access to health care resources in the Texas Gulf Coast Region, are excited to be working with Enroll America to prepare for the opportunities related to the Affordable Care Act,” said Ron Cookston, Executive Director, Gateway to Care. “Working with Get Covered will be invaluable to our enrollment effort.  Over several campaigns we have found that neighborhood efforts are more successful when respected public media sources help raise awareness.  Together we will be able to have a significant impact that would be impossible if we each worked separately.”

Kicking off the campaign this week, the Get Covered America team is hosting a national virtual strategy session on Thursday, June 20^th, where interested volunteers will learn about the campaign and how to inform their communities about the enrollment process. On Saturday, June 22^nd, Get Covered America will join Austin City Council Member Mike Martinez for a Press Conference at City Hall Plaza. Also on Saturday, Get Covered America volunteers will be gathering together in Dallas and Houston to talk directly with local residents.  County Judge Clay Jenkins will join Get Covered America volunteers in Dallas.

 
To augment the in-state efforts, the campaign is also launching online and social media communications to help arm consumers with important information they’ll need when they’re shopping for insurance – including where they can go to get unbiased, no-nonsense help signing up for coverage, and how they can find out if they qualify for financial assistance.