What/Who:
With just over 2 weeks left to the January 31 deadline to sign up for 2017 coverage, DC Health Link is ramping up its outreach efforts to the African-American community, where the uninsured rate high. To do this, DC Health Link, in conjunction with various community organizations, is encouraging uninsured African-Americans to enroll in quality, affordable health insurance during the “African-American Week of Action.”
Barber shops and beauty salons in African-American communities are more than a place to get a haircut and other grooming services. They are where the community meets and enjoys camaraderie, shares stories about life events and gets the latest information about what’s happening in the community. On Saturday, January 14th, DC Health Link will kick off the African-American Week of Action when representatives will be on-hand in barber shops and beauty salons throughout the city to educate residents about the benefits of enrolling in quality, affordable health insurance coverage. In-person assisters and licensed health insurance brokers will also be available to help with the enrollment process and answer questions.
The Week of Action continues at the Martin Luther King Day Holiday Peace Walk and Parade. DC Health Link representatives will march in the spirit of Dr. King, who once said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane." They will proudly hold banners as they march in Section 12 of the annual event, remind people to enroll by the January 31st deadline, hand out flyers, and direct residents to enrollment events. One-on-one enrollment support will be available at the end of the parade route at the health fair at Anacostia Park under a heated tent.
The Week of Action runs from Saturday, January 14 to Sunday, January 22, 2017. More innovative outreach events geared toward boosting enrollment in DC’s African-American community will be scheduled during the Week of Action. Additional media advisories will follow.
When/Where:
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Barber Shop and Beauty Salon Outreach
Locations:
- Midtown Barber Shop, 120 Kennedy Street, NW (10 am – 12 pm)
- Image Hair, 3453 14th Street, NW (1 – 2 pm)
Monday, January 16, 2017, 12 – 2 pm
DC Health Link @ MLK Jr Day Parade and Health Fair
Location:
- MLK Avenue, SE
One-on-one enrollment support: End of the parade route at the health fair at Anacostia Park (1107 Good Hope Road, SE) under a heated tent.
Background:
The Affordable Care Act provides individuals, families, and small businesses in the District of Columbia with affordable options for quality health insurance. DC Health Link is the District’s online health insurance marketplace which allows visitors to shop, compare, and enroll in coverage that fits their needs and budgets.
Open Enrollment for individuals and families began November 1, 2016 and ends January 31, 2017. There are 20 private health insurance options (including 2 catastrophic plans) from CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente for individuals and families. Eligible District residents can enroll in a health insurance plan online through DCHealthLink.com or by calling (855) 532-LINK [5465]. Plan selections made by the 15th of each month during Open Enrollment will be effective on the first day of the following month. Small businesses—as well as individuals and families eligible for Medicaid—can enroll through DCHealthLink.com at any point.