Florida health centers to help enroll uninsured for coverage

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http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/09/3389416/florida-health-centers-to-help.html

Dozens of Florida community health centers serving the poor and uninsured — including 10 in Miami-Dade and Broward counties — are eligible for a share of $8 million in federal funds to help uninsured individuals obtain health coverage when new marketplaces established under the Affordable Care Act open Oct. 1, U.S. Health and Human Services officials announced Thursday.

Given the complexity of healthcare reform, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said, those who are unfamiliar with the healthcare market will need personal help navigating the huge changes coming next year.

“This won’t be easy,’’ Sebelius said. “Many of the Americans we’re trying to reach have spent their whole lives locked out or priced out of the healthcare market.’’

In Florida, 48 health centers are eligible for $8 million to help educate consumers about health insurance, the new marketplace, qualified plans, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program. The centers also will help new consumers determine their eligibility, compare coverage options and obtain insurance.