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ACA Open Enrollment Reopens, Help for QC Residents

Get Covered Illinois

Local groups want to help uninsured residents of the Illinois Quad Cities sign up for health care. The second open enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act has begun, and counselors are available.

UnityPoint Health Trinity in Rock Island is scheduling appointments through the February 15th deadline. Spokeswoman, Linaka Kain, says the goal is to let people know their options. 
 
A group called The Project of the Quad Cities in Moline also has counselors on hand to help people sign up for health insurance. 


Director, Wendy Kelly, says many people who don't have health insurance have little or no income.

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"People are concerned about the costs. Some don't believe it's a priority, but the priority is--it's kind of like if you pay now or you pay later because one trip to the emergency room could cost you a whole year or premiums."

Open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act will end on February 15th. After that, the penalty for not having insurance will increase to $325 or 2 percent of annual adjusted income.

Renata Sago is WMFE's general assignment reporter and occasional Morning Edition anchor. She covers everything from major political campaigns and unemployment to civil rights legislation and the performing arts for WMFE and NPR.
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