Affordable Care Act Town Hall Meeting prepares for the re-enrollment process

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - It's almost that time again to re-enroll in the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, for 2015.

Local experts prepared a free event open to the public to share information and answer questions regarding the 2015 healthcare coverage plan.

Open enrollment begins on Nov. 15 and it'll continue until Feb. 15, 2015. National reports say about 3 million to 4 million people mostly young adults became newly insured through the health insurance.

"The number of Americans without health insurance reduced by 25 percent this year," Dr. Tania Edwards, the president of the Columbus Fort Benning Medical Society, said. "We also realize that the Affordable Care Act is not for everybody, but it has helped 25 million people. So far, the Affordable Care Act has been successful in terms of helping more Americans get on health insurance."

Edwards explains people who make about $11,000 to $29,000 annual salary will receive the greatest benefit when applying for the health insurance since they are eligible for the highest subsidy.

However, Edwards also explains those who make under $11,000 a year are ineligible to enroll for the health coverage, so it's best for them to go through federally qualified health care instead. Dr. Edwards also states those who make six figure salaries or more do not have to apply for the Affordable Care Act since it would be cost saving.

"The community and the consumers can make their own decisions based on the information they receive today," Edwards said. "We have about 50 people who attended the event, and most of these people would benefit from applying for the Affordable Care Act. Most of these folks haven't done so yet, because they are confused about the healthcare. We are here to clarify their confusions to help them make the best choice for their families."

Georgia Beard-White, an assistant HR manager at L&S Services in Columbus, attended the event to learn more about the Affordable Care Act. Although she's on her company insurance, she wanted to learn more about the health insurance to provide information for her friends and family members who need it.

"Insurance is a common issue we bring up nowadays," Beard-White said. "We sit around and talk about insurance with our church members, friends, families and even co-workers. I want to learn more about the Affordable Care Act to dismiss a lot of myths about it and to understand it so I can help others who want to know more about it."

Navigators of the website and local physicians at the meeting were available to offer guidance and help.

Dr. Edwards is the CEO and medical director of Chattahoochee Valley Family Medicine located at 7413 Whitesville Walk Dr. in Columbus.

Those who couldn't attend the meeting or those who wish to learn more about the health insurance to sign up for it can call Edwards at 706-507-7707 to set up a free appointment.

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