Representative Mike Tryon Brings in ACA Expert for Healthcare Marketplace Information Meeting

Residents from McHenry and Kane Counties are invited to attend an informational session on October 9th, where a representative from the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace will provide information and answer questions about the federal Affordable Care Act.

The event will take place at the Huntley Village Hall, 10987 E. Main Street in Huntley, from 7:00-9:00 PM, and topics to be covered include:

·         What is the Affordable Care Act?

·         Do I have to purchase insurance?

·         Do I qualify for financial assistance?

·         How do I purchase insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace?

The keynote speaker will be Giovanni Gomez, Regional Coordinator of Outreach and Consumer Education for the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace.

 “Everywhere I go I am approached by people who are confused and nervous about the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, and I felt it was important to bring in an expert who could explain exactly how the ACA will affect the residents of my legislative district,” said Tryon. “October 1 is the date when individuals and families can start shopping for their insurance through the online Marketplace, so the timing of the event is perfect.”

The Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Obama on March 23, 2010, and the State of Illinois entered into a State-Federal partnership Health Insurance Exchange agreement in February of this year. Open enrollment begins on October 1 and the insurance coverage for participants takes effect on January 1, 2014. A provision mandating insurance coverage by businesses that employ more than 50 people was pushed back until 2015.

“The Affordable Care Act includes a mandate for most individuals to have health insurance or potentially pay a penalty for noncompliance,” said Tryon. “They will have to maintain a minimum level of coverage for themselves and their dependents, but people have no idea what that minimum level is, what it will cost, and what their penalty will be if they do not comply. Hopefully people will be able to have their questions answered at this meeting so they have a better understanding of exactly what they need to do to be in compliance with this new federal law.”

Those who wish to attend are asked to RSVP by calling the Tryon office at (815)459-6453, or by emailing the office at mike@miketryon.com.