Health insurance could save Ben Smith’s life. And maybe yours, too.

Smith was struggling to make ends meet and couldn’t afford his own insurance, despite a heart condition. Then, a brain aneurysm sent him to Harborview hospital. Now, he’s out of work and uninsured, leaving him vulnerable if he has complications.

That’s why the Central Area resident was one of the first to sign-up with Washington Healthplanfinder.

Finally, affordable health insurance is available, without fear of discrimination, even if you have a “pre-existing condition.”

Still, enrolling might seem daunting, if you don’t have good internet access, or don’t like the idea of signing up by yourself using a website.

One of the best opportunities for anyone on the Hill or in the Central Area is this Saturday, October 5, from 2-5pm at Garfield Community Center.  A team of In-Person Assisters will be joined by representatives from insurance plans, all under one roof.

If you have questions about how this system works, or want help understanding the insurance choices in the new online marketplace, assisters can walk you through the details – and even complete your enrollment all at once. Translators will be on hand, too, for anyone who speaks Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese or Chinese.

This is a good time to get personal attention, as people are still hearing about the new system.  For anyone who signs up before December 23, medical coverage begins on January 1, 2014.

Nearly 70,000 adults in Seattle don’t have health insurance. That’s leaving them vulnerable not only to sickness and injuries, but it’s a threat to their financial health as well.  Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to have to choose between paying for rent or for medical bills.

If you can’t make it Saturday, the City of Seattle and Public Health – Seattle & King County have teamed up for smaller “in-person” enrollment events around the city in coming months, many of them at public libraries.

Ben Smith told his story to Governor Jay Inslee and King County Executive Dow Constantine, on Tues. Oct. 1, 2013:

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