The International Community Health Services (ICHS) offers free help to Washington residents to enroll or answer questions about health coverage options through Washington “Healthplanfinder.”
“ICHS has certified in-person assisters in the International District and Holly Park clinics, and at community venues to help raise awareness about the Affordable Care Act and help people enroll in free or low-cost healthcare insurance options,” said Michael McKee, director of Health Services and Community Partnerships at ICHS. “We have assisted more than 3,900 patients and residents in applying for coverage since the initiative began.”
Enrollment appointment dates at ICHS are already scheduled to the end of February 2014.
However, the agency is training additional staff to meet the growing demand for this service.
“There is still lingering confusion about the Affordable Care Act,” McKee said. “Our ultimate goal is for everyone in our community to get access to quality healthcare without them worrying that it will drain their financial resources,”
This free service is part of a national outreach strategy led by the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO), Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles (Advancing Justice-LA), and Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC (Advancing Justice-AAJC) to enroll as many qualified Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders as possible.
ICHS is a one-stop health care agency that offers quality and affordable health services — including medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, outreach, and healthy living assistance — in more than 50 languages and dialects. The last day to enroll for health insurance is March 31, 2014.
Failure to get coverage may result in fines. Visit wahealthplanfinder.org for more information or to enroll on your own. To take advantage of the free service for enrollment assistance, call ICHS at 206-788-3700 to set an appointment. (end)