Delahunt Joins With Local Officials To Sponsor "Connect To Health" Events On South Shore

01/18/2008

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bill Delahunt and Senators Robert L. Hedlund, Brian A. Joyce, Michael W. Morrissey, James E. Timilty, and Marian Walsh are teaming up with the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority to reach directly into communities of Southeastern Massachusetts to provide information about the state’s new health care reform law and to enroll local residents. 

“Trying to choose the best health care plan for yourself and your family can be a daunting exercise.  Commonwealth Connector is a tangible way for those who are currently without health care insurance and for those who wish to find a more affordable plan to receive expert guidance,” said Congressman Bill Delahunt.  “It is also an opportunity to understand how this new health reform law will affect each one of us.”

The “Connect to Health” enrollment event, also co-sponsored by Representatives Bruce J. Ayers, William C. Galvin, Louis L. Kafka, Ronad Mariano, Paul McMurtry, James M. Murphy, John H. Rodgers, Richard J. Ross, Walter F. Timilty, A. Stephen Tobin, and Mayor Susan M. Kay, will be held at four locations in Quincy, Weymouth, and Norwood.

"It is understandable with an initiative of this magnitude that some citizens may have questions," Senator Hedlund said. "It is important that we as elected officials try to address those questions, or any concerns our constituents may have, so we can make sure that this ground-breaking initiative is a successful one."

The South Shore events will be Saturday, Feb. 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:

  • Norwood: Caritas Norwood Hospital, 800 Washington St.
  • Quincy: Quincy Medical Center, 114 Whitwell St., and Kam Man Market (with help from Manet Community Health Center), 219 Quincy Ave.
  • Weymouth: South Shore Hospital, 55 Fogg Rd. at Route 18.

"Massachusetts has set a precedent making sure that all of our residents have quality health insurance," said Representative Murphy. "I am happy to cosponsor this event to help residents obtain affordable health care." 

Massachusetts adults are now required to have health insurance. More than 300,000 have already enrolled.

“We’ve made remarkable progress in a very short period of time, but there is still much work to do,” said Health Connector Executive Director Jon Kingsdale. “We’re extremely grateful to the Southeastern Massachusetts delegation for helping us bring this critical opportunity directly to the people of the region.”

The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and the Massachusetts Hospital Association are also cosponsors, and they will send local enrollment experts to participate in the event.

“I am grateful to the Commonwealth Connector for organizing this event,” said Senator Morrissey.  “With tax penalties rising, it is imperative that every Massachusetts resident is enrolled in a health insurance plan, regardless of their income.”  Adults who do not have health insurance this year face penalties as high as $912. The penalties will accrue monthly and be assessed as part of the state tax filing process.

Detailed information on the new health plans is also available on the Health Connector’s website, www.MAhealthconnector.org, or by calling 1-877-MA-ENROLL weekdays.

 

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