Serrano, Diaz Jr., Rivera Urge Bronx Residents to Learn About New Health Care Options

Press Release

At a health care forum today Congressman José E. Serrano, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and State Senator Gustavo Rivera urged Bronx residents to get information about the new health care options coming soon because of the Affordable Care Act. The forum, which took place at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, brought together the elected officials along with representatives from the New York State Health Exchange Marketplace, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

"Unfortunately there is great confusion in the nation, and in the community about what the Affordable Care Act does, but this forum today is a major step towards dispelling the myths," said Congressman Serrano. "Together with Borough President Diaz and Senator Rivera, as well as St. Barnabas Hospital and the various agencies represented here today, I wanted to ensure get word out to the community that new and important benefits are coming that will help people obtain and afford quality health care.

"I am proud to have taken part in this very educational forum to help Bronxites learn more about the imminent changes to our State's health care system. It was a day of empowerment and learning where we as elected officials joined with health professionals to discuss how the Affordable Care Act will affect our health coverage and speak to Bronxites about the importance of enrolling in the New York State Health Exchange and at the same time we provided important information on the different resources available for our residents in the Borough," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

"I am very pleased that we were able to provide Bronxities with information and resources that will help them better understand the ACA enrollment process during today's forum," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "There is no doubt that the implementation of the ACA will help countless Bronxities secure affordable healthcare, but it is imperative that every individual is well informed about their options and the coverage that is now available to them as we enter this new phase of the process"

Several years ago, Congress passed and President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act. The law mandated comprehensive health insurance reforms. One of the key features, the Health Insurance Marketplace, opens for enrollment on October 1, 2013. It is designed to make buying health coverage easier and more affordable. Starting in 2014, the Marketplace will allow individuals and small businesses to compare health plans, get answers to questions, find out if they are eligible for tax credits for private insurance or health programs like the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and enroll in a health plan that meets their needs. Further information is available at www.healthcare.gov, http://www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ or by calling 1-800-318-2596.

"As more people are connected with health benefits, we all will benefit in so many ways, as the rates go down on insurance, as hospital emergency rooms begin to deal with only real emergencies and not routine care, as people lead healthier lives free of worry, and as we see lives saved," Congressman Serrano added. "These are the real effects of the law, and this why it is so important to get people connected with the benefits of it. I look forward to continuing the partnership with all those helping at the forum today, because that is how we will move our community and country forward towards a future with health security for all people."

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