ACCESS Receives Funds to Help Residents with Health Insurance Exchanges

Federal health officials recently named ACCESS in Dearborn a "navigator," tapped to help the public use an online health insurance marketplace as part of the Affordable Care Act.

As one of the navigators, ACCESS staff members will serve as an in-person resource for Michigan residents who need additional assistance in shopping for and enrolling in healthcare plans within Michigan's Health Insurance Marketplace, which opens on Oct. 1.

“At ACCESS, we know how important it is for families to have coverage for those unexpected illnesses or injuries, yet we still see thousands of uninsured individuals come to our health center every year,” said Dr. Adnan Hammad, senior director of ACCESS Community Health and Research Center and project director for the Navigator program.

“By signing up for a plan through the marketplace, plans are much more affordable for individuals and families, giving them peace of mind if an emergency were to arise. There are some vendors who will be charging for the service we are offering, but we are happy to be helping individuals in the community find the health care plan that best fits their needs and enrolling them through the marketplace at no cost," Hammad continued.

As a navigator, ACCESS’ trained staff will be on hand to enroll individuals in the marketplace, as well as answer any questions they may have about the health care law.

The system will analyze an individual’s personal information and health care needs, and recommend which type of insurance and plan best suits their budget, whether they’re looking for insurance as an individual, a family or a small company.

Participants will be able to compare different policies and choose a plan they prefer without dealing with different insurance companies.

U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, congratulated ACCESS for its selection in the Navigator program.

"I’ve been working hard to see to it that the people of Southeast Michigan are as informed as possible on what the Affordable Care Act can and will do to help them, and the Navigator program is a welcomed and much-needed resource to make sure folks get in-person and immediate answers and assistance,” said Dingell.

"Whether it’s a broad question on selecting the right affordable plan for their family or small business, or assistance with completing an application form, I look forward to working with these navigators to make sure the people of Michigan’s 12th Congressional District have every option available to them and help along the way," he said.

Michigan residents can pre-enroll with ACCESS to get free marketplace enrollment assistance and information by visiting www.accesshealthcaremichigan.org, or by calling 1-888-670-6798.