In preparation for the rapidly-approaching end of open enrollment in the Illinois Health Marketplace on February 15th, The Project of the Quad Cities/Get Covered Illinois will be initiating 24-hour consumer access and hosting several special enrollment events.

This Saturday, February 7th, counselors will be enrolling consumers at the following two locations and times:
-Ybarra Gomez VFW Post 8890 (12-3pm; 1810 1st Street, East Moline)
-Blackhawk Township Office (12-3pm; 230 4th Street, Milan)

Beginning at midnight on February 7th and continuing until midnight on February 15th, licensed counselors will be available around the clock by telephone to assist any Rock Island County residents who have not obtained qualified health coverage or who have questions about any part of the Affordable Care Act. Anyone seeking information about enrollment deadlines, insurance plans, Medicaid eligibility, or tax penalties can get immediate assistance by calling (309)269-9306.

Residents who still lack health coverage are urged to contact TPQC at their earliest opportunity to sign up for a marketplace plan or if eligible, apply for Medicaid. The penalty for lacking qualified health coverage in 2015 increases to $325 per uninsured adult, up to a maximum of $975 per household!!!

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The Affordable Care Act's Health Insurance Enrollment period is nearing the end. To help Rock Island County residents enroll in health insurance plans by the February 15th deadline, this Saturday, January 31st Get Covered Illinois and TPQC will be hosting several Valentine's Pizza and Enrollment Parties in Rock Island County. Events are scheduled from12:00pm to 3:00pm at the Moline Township Office (620 18th St., Moline, IL), and 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Rock Island Township Office (2827 7th Ave. Rock Island, IL).

Each location will have Illinois certified In-Person Counselors available to help with questions and concerns about health insurance plans, as well as enrollment and website navigation. Our goal is to help people get enrolled by the February 15th deadline, and with the upcoming tax season, we want make sure that people are informed about penalties and exemptions.

This is an open invitation for all Rock Island County residents to learn more about their expanded options for health insurance coverages. There is no cost for attendees and there will be great give away prizes and snacks for all.

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Statewide campaign reflects shared vision and ultimate goal of increased healthcare coverage

CHICAGO - The state of Illinois today unveiled "Get Covered Illinois" as the official brand name for its new health insurance marketplace, where residents will be able to find quality coverage as mandated by the Federal Affordable Care Act. The name is both a call-to-action and a description of the service this marketplace expects to provide through web, phone and personal interactions with customers beginning October 1. The brand tagline reads: "The Official Health Marketplace."

"Illinois is launching the largest, most ambitious wellness initiative in our state's history, as well as launching a culture of coverage," said Deputy Governor Cristal Thomas, who serves as one of Illinois' top healthcare officials. "This will take a massive education effort, and it starts with 'Get Covered Illinois.' We wanted a name that was very clear about what this product has to offer."

As part of Governor Pat Quinn's agenda to increase access to healthcare coverage, Get Covered Illinois is the only official website marketplace where Illinois residents can compare eight different insurance company offerings side by side; determine whether they are eligible for Medicaid under newly expanded qualifications; and apply for financial support to help bring down the cost of insurance for them or their families.

The brand and logo were developed by advertising agency Downtown Partners, Chicago, and will be part of a statewide advertising campaign that will begin on October 1 and gradually build through the fall and winter. Uninsured Illinoisans have until the end of March to purchase health insurance through Get Covered Illinois.

"Get Covered Illinois grew out of the hundreds of conversations we had with citizens around the state," said Joe Stuart, Creative Director Partner, Downtown Partners, Chicago. "They wanted a straight-forward, clear approach to promoting the health marketplace, and wanted a strong visual component to the name. We wrapped the shape of the state of Illinois with a "C" to remind people of the marketplace mission - to spread a "Culture of Coverage" in Illinois."

The orange color palette is decidedly optimistic, representing the colors of sunrise - tied to focus group feedback that October 1 felt like the "dawn" of a new day for those uninsured.

Get Covered Illinois is for any Illinois resident who had insurance, lost it and wants it again; residents who could never afford or obtain insurance before; or for those who have never attempted to get insurance but now must comply with the law.

The Get Covered Illinois website and social media channels will also launch October 1. From October 1st to March 31st, officials expect at least 300,000 people to enroll in health care coverage. Enrollment can take place on the website; on the website with the help of a trained specialist (800 number will be on website); or in person at a state community partner with trained navigators to assist (website will feature community partner locations by zip code).