With the sign-up period for the Affordable Care Act’s “marketplace” health plans cut in half this year, just four weeks remain to sign up for subsidized insurance policies for 2018.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that the federal government drastically cut funding and other supports for marketplace navigators, the nonprofit groups that help individuals find a plan that makes sense and can connect most with tax credits or other help to offset out-of-pocket costs.

To help fill the gap, Assemblyman Troy Singleton (D-Burlington) will host an informal session to help constituents navigate the system; the event is also sponsored by insurance providers AmeriHealth New Jersey and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, along with the New Jersey Association of Health Plans, the state trade group.

“We know how vital health insurance is to working families and this already complicated process has only been made worse by the lack of assistance coming from the federal government,” Singleton said. “We want to make sure that anyone in need of health insurance has all the resources and tools at their disposal to choose a plan that is best for them and their family.”

The enrollment event will take place on Sunday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the JFK Center, 429 John F. Kennedy Way, in Willingboro. Those interested in attending should RSVP at 856-234-2790 or www.assemblymansingleton.com/aca.

Singleton is not alone in his efforts. Horizon has been conducting grassroots outreach at malls, restaurants, and other community gathering spots to connect Hispanics and other underserved groups with care. And several nonprofits teamed up to launch CoverNJ, a website designed to help the public with the sign-up process.

Original Article