We at The Arc want to keep you updated on health care reform and will be issuing
fact sheets and seminars to assist you as Obama Care becomes a reality.
Obama Care is about to roll out here in Illinois. This is of particular interest to people with
disabilities and their families. Obama Care has tremendous benefits for all of us and the
Health Insurance Marketplace will be an important resource for you.
The Health Insurance Marketplace will open on October 1, 2013, with health care
coverage purchased through the Marketplace beginning January 1, 2014. The federal website devoted to information about the Marketplace is www.healthcare.gov. This
website provides a vast array of general information right now about the Marketplace and
how it will work. There is also a call center available now to help answer questions. Call
center assistance is available 24/7 at 1-800-318-2596 or TTY: 1-855-889-4325.
There will be many resources available for assistance with the Health Insurance
Marketplace. Navigators will serve as an in-person resource for Americans who want
additional assistance in shopping for and enrolling in plans in the Health Insurance
Marketplace this fall. A Navigator is an individual or organization that’s trained and able to
help consumers,small businesses, and their employees as they look for health coverage options through the Marketplace, including completing eligibility and enrollment forms. These individuals and organizations are required to be unbiased. Their services are free to
consumers. Below are the Illinois recipients of Navigator grants, announced on August 15,
2013.
· Genesis Health System*
· Sinai Health System
· DuPage County Health Department
· Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation
· A Safe Haven Foundation
· Mercy Hospital and Medical Center
· The Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Inc.
· Illinois College of Optometry
· VNA Health Care
· The East Los Angeles Community Union
· National Council of Urban Indian Health*
If you’re interested in learning more about how individuals with disabilities will be impacted
by the Health Insurance Marketplace and other issues related to changes in our health care
system, plan to attend our October 10, 2013 “Update on Health Care Reform for Children
and Adults with Special Needs”.
Our agenda includes:
· HFS – Medicaid Reform in Illinois and Impact on Children and Adults with Special Needs -presented by Sharron D. Matthews, Assistant Director, Illinois Department of Healthcare and
Family Services
· Update on the SMART Act and the Affordable Care Act – Focusing on Special
Populations – presented by Stephanie Altman, J.D., Program and Policy Director, Health and
Disability Advocates
· The Private Health Insurance Marketplace and Individuals with Special Needs –
presented by Charles W. Watkins, Regional Outreach Coordinator, Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace, Office of the Governor
· Who Can Help with Health Care Reform Options? – presented by Kathy Chan,
Associate Director/Policy Director, Illinois, Maternal and Child Health Coalition
· Disability Advocacy and Health Care Reform in Illinois – presented by Tony Paulauski,
Executive Director, The Arc of Illinois
Tony Paulauski Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@www.thearcofil.org
