IMPACT | John Hyatt, President & CEO | 414-256-4808 | www.impactinc.org
Condensed ACA Health Insurance Enrollment Period - Open Until December 15
Many people are confused by what they read online and hear in the news, but here is what everyone needs to know: the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, the Marketplace or Healthcare.gov, has health insurance plans available statewide, and most people qualify for discounts to make those plans more affordable.

This year, open enrollment is only 45 days long. For 2018 coverage, consumers need to enroll in, or renew, their health coverage through the Marketplace before the December 15 deadline. Consumers who enroll for 2018 health insurance will have those plans available to them regardless of any changes in federal or state law.

IMPACT belongs to the Milwaukee Enrollment Network working in collaboration with  Covering Wisconsin to help Milwaukee County residents understand their health insurance options, enroll in the plan of their choice, and help navigate the different levels of available discounts.

Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to schedule a free appointment with a health care navigator or other local enrollment assistor. People may also schedule their own appointment with a navigator online at coveringwi.org/enroll.

This help is more important than ever, with current confusion about the law and available discounts. Over 80% of Wisconsin consumers who select health plans through the Marketplace qualify for discounts that substantially reduce the price of their premiums. These discounts increase when premiums increase, so most consumers will not directly experience the effects of reported premium increases.

Wisconsin has over 300,000 residents who remain uninsured, including over 45,000 children. Many of these children, and some adults, qualify for Medicaid or BadgerCare but have not yet been enrolled. During the ACA open enrollment period, navigators and other enrollment assisters will assess the eligibility of each person in a household for both ACA discounts and Medicaid/BadgerCare.
Get Ready for Winter with Energy Assistance

Temperatures are dropping and snowflakes are falling as we prepare for another Wisconsin winter. Each year, IMPACT 2-1-1 helps hundreds of Milwaukee County residents get connected to the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program. Here are some important facts to pass along:

1. Understand the Moratorium
November 1st marked the beginning of the Wisconsin Energy Moratorium. State Law prohibits utility companies from disconnecting services during the moratorium period, but it does not mean that services will automatically be restored if they have already been disconnected.
  • Contact your local utility company to get reconnected.
  • Make arrangements to pay something during the winter months. Even if you can't pay the entire bill, a small payment will show your commitment.
  • Apply for the Energy Assistance Program. The average benefit is about $500 which can usually cover two to three months of service. Eligibility is based on household size, income, the size of your home, and energy usage. Simply dial 2-1-1 for assistance or click here for more information.
2. Prepare Your Home
Simple things will reduce the amount of energy you use and lower your utility bills:
  • Cover windows with plastic.
  • Use a programmable thermostat to reduce the temperature while you're not home, or remember to adjust it before you leave.
  • Unplug chargers and other devices when not in use.
  • Change the furnace filter regularly.
  • Use energy-efficient light bulbs.
  • Find more tips at energystar.gov
3. Know What To Do In A No-Heat Emergency
Sometimes furnaces stop working, even with regular maintenance. If you are facing a no-heat situation, the Energy Assistance Program can help homeowners (and some renters) with furnace repairs or a replaceable unit. Assistance is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Simply dial 2-1-1 or visit  EnergyAssistanceMKE.org
 
Sister Pact Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Sister Pact is a breast cancer awareness program that calls on women to make a commitment - a pact - to address their breast health and convince other women in their lives to do the same.

Rates of breast cancer among African American women in the US are increasing. There are areas of Milwaukee where women are nearly twice as likely to die from breast cancer as women living in surrounding neighborhoods.

The Sister Pact campaign is focusing on areas with high levels of disparities, including zip codes: 53205, 53206, 53208, 53210, 53213, 53216 and 53233.

IMPACT 2-1-1 is serving as an access point for information and referral to local breast cancer services including mammograms.
 
Sister Pact is coordinated by the WI Breast Cancer Task Force, a statewide coalition working to improve breast cancer screening rates in Wisconsin. For more information, visit SisterPact.com

On The Table MKE convenes a cross-section of community leaders and influencers for meaningful dialog

Around tables throughout our region, people gathered on October 17th to connect with one another, build new relationships and take action to improve the quality of life in our communities. More than 5,000 people participated in the Greater Milwaukee Foundation's On the Table MKE   initiative, including Bryon Cherry of IMPACT's alcohol and drug abuse services.
 

GE Healthcare served as one of 210 hosting sites and generously extended an invitation so that IMPACT would be represented in the conversation. The group shared a meal and engaged in meaningful dialog that touched on equality, inclusion, the strengths of neighborhoods and a variety of other topics. 
 

Feedback, observations and suggestions from the GE Healthcare table will be combined with others to develop a community perspective and map for community improvement. For more information, visit On The Table MKE.

 

 

IMPACT's Bryon Cherry (second from right) joined representatives from GE Healthcare, Manpower, Froedtert Medical Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Milwaukee, Boys & Girls Club, City of Wauwatosa, Wauwatosa School District, Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful, 53rd Street School, and Gerald Ignace Indian Health Center at On The Table MKE.


Join the world's largest day of giving on #GivingTuesday - November 28th when we come together in support of causes that make our communities stronger. Please donate to IMPACT's Critical Condition Fund which ensures urgent access to free and confidential consultation and referral services that help individuals and families regain stability.
IMPACT changes lives, for good. Building on our nearly 60-year history, we provide the essential first step toward regaining personal stability, and collaborate to advance health and human services throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.
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