Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa will be in Knoxville next Tuesday, from 10 to 4 at the Marion County Public Health offices. VNS of Iowa connects with Iowans for one-on-one assistance in enrolling in the new health insurance marketplace, which is open through March 31. Navigators estimate the enrollment process will take about an hour. Appointments are strongly encouraged; walk-ins are accepted, but may be rescheduled for a later date.

Appointments are strongly encouraged, and may be made by calling 515-288-1516. Walk-ins will be accepted; however, due to high demand, walk-ins will likely be rescheduled for a later date.

February 18

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Marion County Public Health Department

2003 N Lincoln Street

Knoxville

Navigators estimate the enrollment process to take about one hour, provided individuals bring all necessary documentation:

· Social Security Number(s) (or document numbers for legal immigrants)

· Birth date(s)

· Employer and income information for every member of household needing coverage (pay stubs or W-2 forms—Wage and Tax Statements)

· Policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering household members of your household (if applicable)

· Information about any health insurance available from employer(s) (if applicable)

There are three ways to apply for insurance through the new marketplace:

1) By calling 1-800-318-2596

2) Online at healthcare.gov

3) Via a paper application

4) With assistance from either a Certified Application Counselor (CAC) or a navigator. Navigators are ideal for individuals who need the most assistance identifying a plan that best meets their needs. HCI Care Services, a partner of VNS of Iowa has been designated as a CAC.

“About half of the state’s uninsured reside in VNS of Iowa’s 38-county service area,” said Norene Mostkoff, president and CEO of Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa. “It’s our goal to get these individuals access to quality health care services.”

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Since 1908, the non-profit organization Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa has been providing supportive health care and social services to the community’s most vulnerable populations. VNS of Iowa offers home visits, family support, healthcare, parent education, transportation, flu immunizations and other services to infants, children, young mothers, families and seniors. For more information, please call 515-288-1516 or visit www.vnsia.org. VNS of Iowa is a community partner of HCI Care Services (formerly Hospice of Central Iowa).