Volunteers needed to help people navigate new health insurance marketplace

Here’s the press release from Pisgah Legal Services:

Pisgah Legal Services is seeking volunteers who can offer guidance and assist individuals in signing up for new health insurance plans made available by the Affordable Care Act from January through March 31, 2014.

Volunteer Navigators will:

meet with individuals and families and help them understand differences in insurance plans
help people determine if they are eligible for financial assistance in paying for health insurance
provide outreach and education to the community about the Healthcare Insurance Marketplace

Volunteer Commitment includes:

completion of 20 hours of web-based training and pass the tests for certification
willingness to volunteer at least 5 hours a week during open enrollment
ability to travel to outreach locations
computer literacy
must be free of conflicts of interest including payments and incentives from brokers, insurers or insurance industry
Second or third language fluency is especially welcome but not required

To sign up or learn more, call Jim Carillon at Pisgah Legal Services, 828-210-3402, or email jim.carillon@pisgahlegal.org.

Since 1978 PLS, a nonprofit organization, has provided free civil legal aid to low-income people in order to help them meet their basic needs, such as protection from domestic violence, avoiding homelessness, finding safe housing, and accessing health care and subsistence income. Pisgah Legal Services has 16 attorneys on staff, and relies heavily on the pro bono legal services of 325+ volunteer attorneys and the help of more than 50 office volunteers. PLS’ main service area includes six counties in Western North Carolina, with offices in Asheville, Hendersonville, and Spindale. For more information, visit www.pisgahlegal.org./blockquote>

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About Jake Frankel
Jake Frankel is an award-winning journalist who enjoys covering a wide range of topics, from politics and government to business, education and entertainment.

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