OMHC here to help navigate the Washington Health Benefit Exchange

Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center (OMHC) will be able to help you navigate the system by having certified "in-person assisters" who will be able to provide in-person assistance right here in Odessa.

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange began on October 1st. It is hard to imagine anyone would have missed this news. Now is the time to focus on getting people enrolled in health coverage and OMHC wants you to know we are here to help.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded the ability of residents at low to mid-income levels to access affordable health insurance. With the expansion of Medicaid and providing subsidies for individuals and families, there will be healthcare coverage for those that have not had it before.

OMHC is training six employees to be In Person Assistors or Navigators on October 16th and 17th. Our training will allow us to help you find, compare and enroll in a health insurance plan that meets you and your family's needs, regardless of whether you have a pre-existing medical condition or have been without health insurance before. Any person or family who wants insurance on January 1, 2014 must be enrolled by December 15th, so we would ask that you call to make an appointment after training is completed.

Medicaid is now called Apple Health for people of all ages. Most enrollments will be accomplished the same day. Anyone who has qualified for Uncompensated Care sometimes known as Charity Care and the Basic Health Plan should qualify for either no premium or a subsidized low premium. In any case you will be able to have medical insurance.

OMHC is proud to offer assistance as we all travel this new area of healthcare insurance together. Call us for appointments after October 17th at 509-982-2614 or 509-982-2611 and tell them you would like to make an appointment with an "In Person Assister or Navigator". This is just another way of "bringing caring, quality healthcare to our community".