Here's help to apply for Affordable Care Act insurance

 

© Submitted photo AxessPointe Community Health Centers has counselors who help consumers apply for the Affordable Care Act health insurance.

Help is available for people looking for Affordable Care Act health insurance coverage options through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. 

Individual consultations

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions, AxessPointe Community Health Centers this year cannot offer free group enrollment workshops. However, AxessPointe is offering individual consultations at three locations by appointment only and phone appointments with a Certified Application Counselor. 

More: Start here for answers on Affordable Care Act open enrollment

Information you need when you apply for coverage includes: your annual taxable household income, the names and addresses of all places of employment, ability to access a personal email account, the dates of birth and Social Security numbers of all household members, whether each person is applying for health coverage or not, and appropriate immigrant documents. Visit www.Healthcare.gov for additional information. 

Here is how to make an appointment: 

• To reach the Arlington office in Akron at 1400 S. Arlington St., call at 330-785-2044. 

• For the Barberton office at 390 Robinson Ave., call 330-564-2479. 

• For the Kent office at 143 Gougler Ave, call 330-564-2478. 

AxessPointe counselors also can help consumers sign up for Medicaid services year round. 

Certified application counselors

© Submitted photo LifeCare Family Health & Dental in Canton has counselors who help consumers apply for the Affordable Care Act health insurance.

Two area agencies also have certified application counselors who can help any consumers apply for an ACA plan by appointment. Call Asian Services in Action Inc.’s Akron office at 330-535-3263. In Canton, call Lifecare Family Health and Dental Center at 330-454-2000, ext. 242 or 231.

© Submitted photo Asian Services in Action Inc. (ASIA Inc.) has counselors who help consumers apply for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans.

More information

Ccnsumers also can call the federal marketplace at 800-318-2596 or go to https://localhelp.healthcare.gov to find local assistance. 

In addition, there may be some insurance brokers who can assist, but know that they are working on commission for private insurers. 

Beacon Journal staff reporter Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her @blinfisherABJ on Twitter or www.facebook.com/BettyLinFisherABJ To see her most recent stories and columns, go to www.tinyurl.com/bettylinfisher

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Here's help to apply for Affordable Care Act insurance