This “Back to School” season, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has distributed a reminder for school boards, educators and parents to be aware of an important upcoming opportunity to make sure students and their families have access to affordable quality health insurance.
The Affordable Care Act’s next Open Enrollment Period will run from Nov. 1, 2015 through Jan. 31, 2016. Enrollment for children through the state’s Medicaid program – Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), also known as NJFamilyCare – remains open throughout the year.
Educators have consistently played a key role in sharing critical information and coalition building to ensure families in districts were well informed, and those families had the resources they needed to make the best decisions for their children and dependents.
The Health and Human Services Department suggests that school districts:
- Send out a district-wide notice providing basic information on the options and resources that are available, both for the ACA and NJ FamilyCare. HHS can provide sample language and materials for distribution.
- Post information on a district’s website, Facebook and other social media pages.
- Host an enrollment event.
To learn more, visit https://marketplace.cms.gov/outreach-and-education/special-populations.html. For additional information, contact Jackie Cornell-Bechelli, regional director, by email or telephone at (212)264-4600.