Long Island GLBT Network To Host Information Sessions on Affordable Care Act

As part of an 18-month grant from the New York State Health Foundation, the Long Island GLBT Network, which has a new youth center in Sag Harbor, will host informational meetings to help gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents learn more about the New York State Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable CareAct.

The grant is part of a program for the network, one of 19 organizations in the state and only one of two that will be targeting the GLBT community, to become a Certified Enrollment Center.

Two upcoming events in Sag Harbor are for the entire East End community.  

The first is a volunteer orientation and training session for those interest in healthcare reform. It will be held this Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Hampton GLBT Center on Union Street in Sag Harbor. Volunteers will become Network ACA Community Ambassadors, assisting at outreach events throughout the East End. They will also screen applicants at the center. To register to volunteer, call 631-665-2300 or sign up online.

The second meeting is a general community information session at the Hamptons GLBT Center on Nov. 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Screenings and enrollment will take place as well. The session is free and open to everyone.

Ongoing health insurance enrollment drop-in hours at the Hamptons GLBT Center will be held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting Nov. 19. Other hours are available by appointment by calling (631) 899-4950 or emailenroll@liglbtnetwork.org.

“Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies can no longer discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, or for any pre-existing conditions,” David Kilmnick, CEO of The Network, said. “These changes mean that the one in four GLBT Americans without health insurance will now have an opportunity to get the coverage they need and deserve."