November 19, 2018
(Austin) – With only 25 days left to enroll in a health care plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace (part of the Affordable Care Act, or ACA), Central Health and United Way for Greater Austin have teamed up to ensure residents have a ride to and from enrollment sites in Travis County.
The 2019 Open Enrollment Period runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 – a limited timeframe of only 45 days. Central Health and partners want to ensure residents have the help they need to get health insurance by offering free enrollment and transportation assistance. Residents should call United Way at 2-1-1 to schedule a free appointment with an enrollment counselor at a location closest to them. 2-1-1 can also schedule a ride with ridesharing company Lyft to and from their appointment.
“When a person has health insurance, they have a much better opportunity to live a healthier life,” said Central Health President & CEO Mike Geeslin. “Central Health, CommUnityCare, Foundation Communities and United Way are doing everything we can to remove any barriers preventing someone from enrolling in health coverage, and that includes making sure people have a ride to their enrollment appointment.”
Central Health has agreed to reimburse United Way for the cost of the rides, but not to exceed $10,000.
Travis County residents can schedule an enrollment appointment and a Lyft ride to and from the appointment by calling 2-1-1 from 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m every Monday through Friday until Dec. 14. Only Travis County residents are eligible for the free Lyft rides. Bilingual enrollment specialists are available to assist Spanish-speaking residents.