Local fairs offer help with healthcare enrollment, which closes December 15

MANCHESTER, NH – Healthcare open enrollment ends on Friday, December 15. Two local events will assist individuals looking for for healthcare insurance policies, and for Medicaid.

• Elliot at River’s Edge, 185 Queen City Avenue, will host an enrollment fair on Wednesday at from 1:00 to 5:00 PM.  Walk-ins are welcome, or call (603) 663-7235 for an appointment.
• Manchester Community Health Center, 145 Hollis St., will also host an enrollment fair, on Thursday, December 14, from 4 to 7 p.m.  Walk-ins are welcome, or call (603) 935-5282 for an appointment.

The events are sponsored by Covering New Hamphsire, 800-318-2596, which is a statewide effort by the New Hampshire Health Plan. The website has videos explaining the health insurance marketplace in English and Spanish. Individuals can use this subsidy calculator to learn if they qualify. Covering New Hampshire points out:

1. Open enrollment on the Health Insurance Marketplace lasts until December 15 on HealthCare.gov. Beat the rush and sign up early.
2. No matter if this is your first time getting covered or you are returning to shop and save, you must take action by December 15.
3. Those who choose to go without health insurance may have to pay a penalty. There is a minimum penalty of $695 for not having health insurance.
4. Coverage could be more affordable than you think – and there is a possibility to receive financial help. Last year, 8 in 10 people qualified for financial help, and most found premiums between $50 and $100 per month.

Where else to get free help in Manchester