LKMC offers help on ACA   By John L. Guerra Lower Keys Medical Center will help any locals who aren’t sure how to sign up for the new health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. The new law requires every American to sign up for the insurance, which is also known as Obama Care. Those who fail to register on time face fines. “The Affordable Care Act requires that most Americans obtain health insurance by 2014 or pay a tax penalty,” hospital spokesman Randy Detrick said. “The penalty will be applied to your annual taxable income for each month you don’t have health insurance after March 31, 2014, the last day to enroll.”   Many people in Key West and the Lower Keys qualify for financial help from the government toward the cost of health insurance bought through the ACA. Not only that, but residents also may be eligible for Medicaid, which is free health insurance based on household income and number of dependents.   “With many people lacking access to a computer or just needing help maneuvering through the enrollment website, our application counselors can help,” Detrick said.“We can assist individuals and their families evaluate the available health plans and determine if they’re eligible for Medicaid or other insurance options.”   Having a population of residents with health insurance helps the hospital, too. Local residents over the years have racked up tens of millions of dollars in unpaid bills at the hospital. The act is designed to stem the flow of uninsured patients to emergency rooms around the nation. President Obama has said a lack of health insurance forces Americans to rely on emergency rooms as primary healthcare providers.   To make an appointment with hospital insurance experts, call 305-294-5531 and key in extension 3253, ext. 3254, or ext. 3220. #####

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