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MEDIA ADVISORY
March 25, 2013
Contact:
khanh.weinberg@seiu521.org
tom.webster@seiu521.org
Media Line: (661) 321-4163
Free “Last Chance” Community Health Fair #GetCoveredNow
March 29 Kern Community Health Fair Puts the Community First: Free Health Services and Free Private Counseling for Enrollment into Covered California, Medi-Cal, and CalFresh
BAKERSFIELD, CA – March 31 is the last day to sign up for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act or face fines. More than one million Californians have successfully enrolled into health plans through Covered California. Service Employees International Union, Local 521 and its partners plan to boost that number at the March 29 Community Health Fair where attendees can enroll on-site for insurance.
While California continues to lead the nation in signing people up for low-cost or no-cost health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, there are still many uninsured yet to enroll. Efforts to enroll eligible individuals statewide and in the Latino population continue.
In order to continue to reach California’s most vulnerable populations, SEIU Local 521 has partnered with a number of local, community-based organizations in Kern to host the fair.
WHAT: FREE KMC Community Health Fair
WHEN: Saturday, March 29, from 10:00am – 3:00pm
WHERE: Kern Medical Center, Back Parking Lot
Attendees will receive free health services, education about high quality, low cost plans available through Covered California, and private counseling for enrollment into Covered California, Medi-Cal and CalFresh.
SEIU Local 521 is a proud participant of Covered California’s Outreach and Education Grant Program. Certified Educators from Local 521 have already reached nearly 125,000 people who are likely eligible for financial assistance through Covered California.
“We worked hard to win health care reform and to bring the promise of affordable, quality care to all,” said Luisa Blue, Chief Elected Officer of SEIU Local 521. “We are proud to put our community first and ensure all families in Kern have equal opportunity to thrive.”
To date, the following organizations have confirmed participation in the fair: Kern Medical Center, Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Community Action Partnership of Kern, United Farm Workers Foundation, Dolores Huerta Foundation, Community Trust Bank, and Planned Parenthood.
More information about the event can be found at http://getcoverednowca.com/.
About SEIU Local 521
SEIU Local 521 represents 57,000 members in the Central Valley, South Bay, and Central Coast Area who work in the public and non-profit sector. Our communities thrive when residents, leaders and workers recognize that we are all in this together when it comes to our safety, health, and well-being. This is our Community First vision – where everyone is invested in the success of our communities. For more information about SEIU Local 521, visit www.seiu521.org.
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