The Portage Co. Library. (City-Times photo)

For the City-Times

Those looking to find out more about health insurance options available on the Health Insurance Marketplace can attend an informational event at the Portage County Public Library in Stevens Point on Monday, October 27 from 6-7:30 PM.

Federally and state-certified Certified Application Counselors (CACs) from Bridge Community Health Clinic will present the most up-to-date information about the Marketplace and what consumers need to know in order to enroll in affordable health insurance. Following the presentation, the CACs will be available to answer questions about the enrollment process.

“We want to make sure that consumers have all of the information they need in order to prepare for the upcoming open enrollment period,” said Jenny Christl, Certified Application Counselor at Bridge Community Health Clinic.  Bridge Clinic coordinates enrollment activities in Central Wisconsin.  “We hope Portage County citizens will take advantage of this event in their area.”

The 2015 open enrollment period begins on November 15, 2014 and will end on February 15, 2015. During this time, consumers will be able to enroll in a plan on the Marketplace for coverage year 2015. Individuals without health insurance for 2015 will be subject to a penalty of 2% of their household income or $325, whichever is greater.

For more information, visit healthcare.gov or call Bridge Clinic at 715-848-4884 to speak to a CAC with questions about the enrollment process. Upcoming education and enrollment opportunities can be found by calling United Way’s 2-1-1.

Bridge Community Health Clinic has been open since 1995 and is a Federally Qualified Health Center.  Bridge Clinic works to provide everyone with high quality, patient-directed services and offers primary care, dental, and mental health services in five locations in Central Wisconsin.  In October of 2013, Bridge Community Health Clinic became the Regional Enrollment Network lead for Central Wisconsin, and has several Certified Application Counselors to assist community members.