CLEARFIELD – Do you want to sign up for health insurance before the March 31 deadline but need more information or have questions?
With the help of PA Forward’s Health Literacy Planning Team, libraries have been gathering information to help you understand the health care process and how it relates to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If you don’t have access to a computer at home, the Joseph & Elizabeth Shaw Public Library can help with that, too.
The Health’s Literacy Planning Team is an integral part of the PA Forward initiative of the Pennsylvania Library Association, promoting the value of libraries in the 21st Century. Libraries help all Pennsylvanians learn how to use online resources and current technology to fully participate in a digital society.
PA Forward’s Health Literacy team has gathered links and resources to help librarians help you. The first stop for consumers will be here; and to obtain additional information, you can go to here. The National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Middle Atlantic Region, has also created a guide to help you through the process online.
The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare provides information for both professionals and individuals online. The Hospital and Health system Association of Pennsylvania provides information and links to people who, in addition to librarians, can help you sign up here.
Having difficulty understanding the whole process? You can try this resource in an easy-to-read format from the Institute of Medicine.
Some libraries have had Certified Application Counselors present overviews of the ACA and how to sign up on the Marketplace. To find local help in your area, you can choose the “find local help” button on the Marketplace site. Help by phone is also available by calling the toll-free number 800-318-2596.
PA Forward: Health Literacy Planning Team members include representatives from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, Cullari Communications Global, Giant Food Stores, Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania, National Network of Libraries of Medicine, North Pocono Public Library, PA Dept. of Health, Pennsylvania American Academy of Pediatrics, Penn State University, Pennsylvania Library Association, Potter-Tioga Library System and PQ Express, Inc.
For more information on PA Forward, visit www.paforward.org.
The Shaw Public Library is open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; and Friday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. The library can be reached by phone at 814-765-3271.