The passing of the Affordable Care Act in March of 2010 was met with a lot of backlash and confusion, but there are hospital officials in the community to help ease the transition from uninsured to covered.

Open enrollment for 2016 coverage began on Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 31. Merit Health River Region has trained individuals who review coverage options with patients, assist with the enrollment application and help determine Medicaid eligibility. The assistants are stationed at booths inside the hospital’s atrium every Tuesday and Thursday until Jan. 28^th from 1 to 3 p.m.

“The goal was to be a resource to the community and that’s what it’s all about. Most people don’t know you go through a process and companies fight for your coverage,” certified application counselor Michelle Walton said. “We’re trying to let people know if they have questions, they have a place to go. We’ll get more people enrolled if they know about it.

Affordable health care is based on of income level, and some might receive a tax credit based on income as well. People don’t have to worry about being turned down for pre-existing conditions as well.

“Working citizens who pay taxes help bring down the premium,” Walton said.

A single person premium per month runs from $55 to $100. For a married couple it might be around $78 to $100 per month and covers traditional medical needs.

Walton has seen an increase in the number of people who’ve been enrolled in health care and who are actually using the insurance.

“Instead of going to the emergency room when things get tough, they’re having more appointments,” Walton said.

Those who aren’t covered can face a hefty fine from the government.

“There’s a penalty for people who do qualify, but don’t enroll,” Walton said. “This year it’s almost $695 per person in a household or 2.5 percent, whichever is higher and 347.50 per child. If you’re filing taxes and you aren’t covered by insurance you will be penalized. The government will hold the penalty from your taxes.”

In Walton’s experience, she still questions if they can afford health insurance and try to look at private insurance companies. When Walton does get the opportunity to walk a patient through the application process, she is elated to help.

“I feel wonderful because I’m actually helping someone get insurance and they didn’t know how they were going to go to the doctor or get their medicine,” Walton said. “I wish we can the word out and wish people would allow us to help them.”

For more information, Walton can be reached at her office at 601-883-5147