During last weekend’s open enrollment for DC residents, the folks at DC Health Link tried to get as many people as possible to enroll in a health plan.
“You have to interact with the people you are trying to reach. If you don’t participate, you won’t get anywhere,” Antonio Guernica, director of business development for the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authoritysaid.
On Sunday, Guernica was in Adams Morgan at Our Lady Queen of the Americas Catholic Church, one of the weekend sites for that engagement.
“We sent emails. We call people on the phone. We follow up. We will visit them – whatever it takes,” he said with a smile. “What will it do for you? Good, one, to keep your family healthy… Number two, it protects you from financial ruin. High medical bills are one of the main reasons people go bankrupt.”
Masses at the church are celebrated in English and Spanish, so it is a great place to reach out to immigrants.
The drive continued to Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street NW. As tour groups come from all over for the food, the atmosphere and the history, the Thompsons come for the promotion.
“The process went very smoothly. We learned a lot (about) how DC health care works and what needs to be done,” Rich Thompson said.
“I think (the effort) is really important, because a lot of people don’t take the time or don’t know where to go,” said Angela Thompson.
And so, in restaurants and in church, DC Health Link used the weekend to offer food for thought.
“We know that health insurance is not a scary topic, but it is very important,” Guernica said.
Registration ends on January 31st, so there is still time to register.
“It’s the best place to go DChealthlink.com. That’s where you get all the information about what we’re doing,” Guernica said.