On the final weekend of open enrollment for D.C. residents, the oldsters at DC Well being Hyperlink have been attempting to get as many individuals as attainable enrolled in an inexpensive healthcare plan.
“You have to have interaction with the oldsters that you just’re attempting to succeed in. In the event you don’t have interaction, you’re not going to get anyplace,” Antonio Guernica, the director of enterprise growth for the DC Well being Profit Trade Authority, stated.
On Sunday, Guernica was in Adams Morgan on the Our Woman Queen of the Americas Catholic Church, one of many weekend areas for that engagement.
“We despatched out emails. We name individuals up on the cellphone. We observe up. We go go to them – no matter it takes,” he stated via laughter. “What does it do for you? OK, one, it retains your loved ones wholesome… Quantity two, it protects you from monetary destroy. Excessive medical payments is likely one of the principal causes individuals go bankrupt.”
Lots on the church are celebrated in English and Spanish, so it’s an excellent location to succeed in out to the immigrant neighborhood.
The outreach effort continued on the landmark Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Road NW. Whereas tour teams got here from throughout for the meals, the environment and the historical past, the Thompsons got here for protection.
“The method was very easy. We realized rather a lot [about] how D.C. healthcare takes place and what must be achieved,” Wealthy Thompson stated.
“I feel [the effort is] extremely essential, as a result of lots of people simply is not going to take the time or don’t even know the place to go,” Angela Thompson stated.
And so, at eating places and at church, DC Well being Hyperlink took benefit of the weekend to supply meals for thought.
“We notice that medical insurance will not be an attractive matter, but it surely’s very, crucial,” Guernica stated.
Enrollment ends on Jan. 31, so there’s nonetheless time to enroll.
“One of the best place to go is DChealthlink.com. There you’ll have all the knowledge as to what we’re doing,” Guernica stated.
