Covered California has partnered with African American churches across the state to inform congregants that there is still time to apply for affordable health coverage.
Titled “Big Sunday,” Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California, visited First African American Episcopal Church in Los Angeles and Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood on Jan. 17 to inform attendees that the health care provider has open enrollment until Jan. 31, 2016.
Covered California is launching a statewide campaign to increase enrollment, and Lee added that financial assistance is available to help residents pay for coverage and care.
“For the first time in our history, health care is now a right and not a privilege,” said Lee.
Most people are required to have health insurance or pay a tax penalty, but financial assistance in the form of a tax credit is available to people who qualify for financial help.
Margo Thomas, executive director of Crenshaw Health Partners, was pleased at the turnout at both churches. “People were interested in Covered California and they had questions about coverage,” she said.
She added that residents can visit Crenshaw Health Partners in Los Angeles to receive more information on how to enroll in Covered California.
“Crenshaw Health Partners is here to educate, navigate and enroll local residents,” said Thomas. “We have professional enrollment counselors available to help them navigate through the different qualified health plans. Our enrollment counselors take the time to explain and walk the individuals and families through enrollment.”
Azzdine Camara, who applied for the Covered California health plan at First AME, was gratified that he was receiving health coverage.
“I got in an accident and I broke my leg,” he said. “A nurse in the hospital approached me and told me about Covered California. It feels good to be under a health plan.”
More than 100 churches of the California Missionary Baptist State Convention conducted services with a health care theme statewide Sunday.
Crenshaw Health Partners is located on the second level of the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza at 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Los Angeles. For more information, call (310) 736-8722 or visit www.CrenshawHealthPartners.org.
