Kevin O’Connor, a health-coverage guide at San Juan Basin Health Department, has found standing-room-only attendance at his presentations on the Affordable Care Act in Durango.
The federal legislation, known also as Obamacare, requires everyone, with some exceptions, to have health insurance.
As the result of attendance at the talks, three more sessions are scheduled. They will be at Durango Public Library starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17.
“The recent publicity about the problems with the federal site has caused people a lot of concern,” O’Connor said. “They’re not aware that our site is independent and not having the issues the federal site is.”
One of the frequent questions he hears, O’Connor said, shows people don’t understand who has to buy health insurance.
The answer in simple terms is: People who don‘t have health insurance and people who buy their own insurance now, O’Connor said.
People covered by an employer, Medicare or Medicaid are less likely to require information, but are welcome to attend the free sessions.
He also frequently has to explain the role of Connect for Health Colorado, the state marketplace where people shop for insurance by comparing coverage and rates, O’Connor said.
Colorado has its own health-insurance program, he said. A number of other states elected to accept the program operated by the federal government.
He’s said that people are pleasantly surprised by the price of health insurance after a tax credit is applied.
Questions can be directed to O’Connor at 335-2021.
daler@durangoherald.com
