What/Who:

DC Health Link (DCHL) and its “Faith in Action” network, a consortium of more than 100 faith community institutions, urge ‘believers’ and ‘non believers’ to get health insurance coverage.  The message is “Just as gospel music is good for the soul, health insurance is good for the body.” With only 4 days left to begin the enrollment process and to avoid financial penalties that could cost a taxpayer as much as 1% of their annual salary, DCHL is appealing to District consumers to beat the last minute rush, avoid the penalty, save money and enroll today in health insurance plans before the March 31 deadline of the historic first ACA open enrollment season. 

Addressing the harmony of body and soul, the DCHL and its faith based partners are sponsoring a gospel concert and enrollment fair, Artful Sounds of Faith this Friday evening. The concert will feature Stellar Award winning, nationally renowned gospel recording artist, John P. Kee and the New Life Community Choir along with singer/songwriter Brittney Wright and other artists. 

DC Health Link certified in-person assisters and licensed health insurance brokers will be on-site to provide information, answer questions and enroll consumers in affordable health plans that meet their needs and budgets. When applying, consumers will learn if they are eligible for Medicaid or financial assistance with private health insurance premiums as well as for reduced out-of-pocket health expenses

 The evening is being produced by Reverend Mary Wilson, Co-pastor of Union Temple Baptist Church, a DCHL faith based partner. Featured also are the Howard University Gospel Choir, Geoffrey Golden of Fresh Encounter, Chancel Choir of Fort Dupont Park Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Explicit Dance Works Liturgical Dance Ministry and others. Recent enrollees, in-person assisters and others will appeal to the audience to enroll before the deadline and share information about the importance of the new law, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and DC Health Link. 

When/Where:

Friday, March 28 – 7:30 pm
Union Temple Baptist Church
1225 W Street, SE
(On-Site Parking Available; Shuttle Service to and from Anacostia Metro)

Other “Faith in Action” events this weekend include:

Background:

The new health law provides individuals, families, and small businesses in the District of Columbia with new options for quality, affordable health insurance. DC Health Link is the District’s online health insurance marketplace that allows visitors to shop, compare, and buy coverage that fits their needs and budgets.

Eligible residents who enroll in a health insurance plan through DCHealthLink.com by March 31, 2014, will have benefits effective May 1, 2014. Small businesses can enroll through DCHealthLink.com at any point.

Due to high demand for enrollment, residents who need in-person or telephone assistance will now have through April 15th to enroll. People with an on-line account with DC Health Link who have not yet selected a health plan also will have through April 15th to enroll in a private health plan.  

The local faith based community has been an integral part of DC Health Link’s outreach efforts to educate and enroll District residents, small businesses and their employees in quality, affordable health insurance plans. The active engagement of the faith community has inspired hundreds of District consumers to heed the call for health insurance and enroll in health insurance plans.  Faith leaders are being asked to share information from their pulpits about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and quality, affordable health plans offered through DCHealthLink.com.