Cherokee Health Systems offers Affordable Care Act enrollment help

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) –    With only days left until the third open enrollment period of the Affordable Care Act ends, non-profit organization Cherokee Health Systems offered free, in-person enrollment help Tuesday.

        Martin Ferrucho works as a Certified Application Counselor for Cherokee Health Systems.  He said, "It is very important because this is a great opportunity for everybody that does not have health insurance to get enrolled."

        Any uninsured Tennessean who doesn’t sign up for coverage after the end of this month will face a $695 fine. Ferrucho added, "This is the last week to get enrolled.  The last day will be January 31st.  We’re helping here to the Chattanooga residents to get enrolled today."

        But even with an application counselor, you still need to do some homework by bringing in the proper paperwork. Ferrucho explained, "Proof of citizenship, ID, they have to bring the last two or three pay stubs, just a letter confirming where they live and whoever is going to get enrolled in the application process, we need everyone of their social security numbers."

        And that means more Tennesseans will hopefully not face penalties come February 1st. Ferrucho finished the interview by saying, "We’re very happy, very excited that we’re going to be able to help as many people as we can."

            If you missed Tuesday’s event you can still schedule an appointment with a free enrollment counselor by clicking here.