Next event: If you’re in San Jose Sunday, Oct. 19, join us at a free health fair event to find out how you, your family and friends can enroll. Learn more.
Covered California’s big debut in Monterey County met with an enthusiastic public as hundreds came on Oct. 2 to a free health fair organized by SEIU Local 521 in partnership with the county and Natividad Medical Center.
Those who came got to learn more about vital health services provided by the county and talk one-on-one with Covered California Certified Educators from SEIU Local 521 who provided information about the new online marketplace where consumers can shop for low-cost or no cost health insurance.
The event, held at Natividad Medical Center, was widely covered by local media outlets.
“Health fair at Natividad spreads the news on ACA,” Monterey Herald, Oct. 2
Watch the news video clips:
KION 46 (CBS), Oct. 2 (Video in MP4 format)
KSBW (NBC), Oct. 2 (Video in MP4 format)
“This week, we are hearing very loudly from groups that are trying to defeat the Affordable Care Act for political reasons. As union members and members of this community, we are proud to be on the side that is trying to bring affordable, quality health care to all. We are proud to be putting our Community First,” said Luisa Blue, SEIU Local 521 Chief Elected Officer. “SEIU 521 signed up to work on behalf of Covered California because we know the populations that need health insurance. Throughout public hospitals and public and private clinics, our members provide quality health care services every day to families that will benefit most from this coverage. We know that about 50,000 residents in this region are eligible for low cost or no cost health coverage and we hope to reach to reach some of them today. We believe this benefits the entire community when everyone has access to affordable, quality health care.”
Other speakers at the press conference that kicked off the health fair included State Sen. Bill Monning, County Board of Supervisors President Simon Salinas, and Harry Weiss, CEO of Natividad Medical Center.
Said Sen. Monning: “I want to thank SEIU Local 521 and its members for their central role in advancing implementation (of health care reform) and promoting public information. This is a historic moment and there is nothing happening in Washington, D.C. today that is stopping us from implementing the Affordable Care Act.”
“With the roll out of health care reform, our vision is to be a healthcare delivery system that collaborates with other providers to offer accessible, high quality and high value healthcare services in a financially stable manner,” said Harry Weiss, CEO of NMC.
The fair featured various booths set up by participating organizations including: the Monterey County Health Department; Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, which was at the fair to provide information about low cost childcare; the American Cancer Society; Central California Alliance for Health; ValleyHearing Center; and the Natividad Medical Center Outreach Team.
One of the more popular booths was staffed by NMC clinic workers, who were giving free flu shots.
Click here for a photo slideshow on Flickr.
What’s next?
- Check our upcoming public events.
- If you are uninsured or are interested in learning more about affordable coverage for you, your family and friends, tell us here.
- Don’t miss out! Make sure you sign up for email updates. Stay tuned for information about more upcoming outreach events and how you can participate.
- Learn more about the health plans that will be available in 2014 by visiting www.coveredca.com
- Got questions now? Email getcoverednowca@seiu521.org
- Spread the word! Forward this to coworkers, friends, and family members who may be looking for affordable health plans.
