ACA Open Enrollment Runs
November 1, 2018 – December 15, 2018

Although policy discussions are still taking place, ACA open enrollment on Missouri's Health Insurance Marketplace takes place from Thursday, November 1, 2018 through Saturday, December 15, 2018. The Health Care Collaborative (HCC) of Rural Missouri is available to assist individuals and families with enrollment. Coverage begins January 2019 for those who enroll by the December 15, 2018 deadline.

Contact HCC for enrollment assistance
Lexington, Mo.-based Health Care Collaborative (HCC) of Rural Missouri (825 South Business Highway 13) has trained certified application counselors who help individuals and families enroll in Missouri's Health Insurance Marketplace. They will answer enrollment questions and help determine eligibility for Medicaid or other insurance options . In addition, HCC helps with enrollment during the Marketplace's special enrollment period.

HCC also has a variety of programs and resources to help individuals and families in need. For enrollment support, or for more information, call Iva Eggert or Shelly Harden at 660.259.2440.
 
Other ways to enroll
To enroll online, visit HealthCare.gov , or call 1.800.318.2596, which is available 24/7. (TTY: 1.855.889.4325)

For more information, contact Iva Eggert or Shelly Harden at 660.259.2440. Feel free to visit HCCNetwork.org/aca or CoverMissouri.org .
HCC Hosts First Annual Piccadilly
Dinner & Auction

Event Honors the Late Melanie Corporon

The Health Care Collaborative (HCC) of Rural Missouri is hosting their first Annual Piccadilly Dinner and Auction, Saturday, November 17, 2018, 5:30 p.m. at the Higginsville Senior Center, 101 West 21st Street. The event honors the late Melanie Corporon, a former HCC employee whose passion was helping underserved individuals move out of poverty. Proceeds for the Great Gatsby themed event support HCC’s Project Connect events and its warehouse. Both help connect underserved and uninsured individuals with needed resources.

“Funds raised will help sustain our community warehouse and Project Connect programs. These initiatives provide direct support to individuals and families who need help with meeting basic needs. It also allows us to connect them with resources that provide health care, through our Live Well Centers, as well as connect them with support services,” said Suzanne Smith, HCC’s Director of Network Development.

HCC Board Member Suzanne Gladney Advocates for Migrant Farm Workers

Suzanne Gladney, founder of Migrant Farmworkers Assistance Fund (MFAF) and a Health Care Collaborative (HCC) of Rural Missouri board member, knew she wanted to become an attorney since elementary school. Her father owned restaurants; one was a half block from the courthouse in Columbia, Missouri. Her inspiration grew from interactions with lawyers and judges who often visited the restaurant. Gladney is now an immigrant attorney and supervises MFAF, which assists migrant farm workers who pick fruits and vegetables in Missouri. 

Gladney credits HCC’s network for helping bring together organizations, which is essential for smaller organizations like MFAF. She believes their strength lies in their collaborative mode of operation, coupled with a keen expertise as a rural health network. “I think that networking and having a group of people who are from various small communities working together is just a really powerful way of mitigating the isolation and lack of resources in some of these small towns.” She encourages both organizations and individuals to become a part of HCC’s network. “What HCC does goes beyond health care. It is helping these small communities and small organizations become stronger.”

Volunteer opportunities allow the community to know the workers better and hear their stories. Individuals interested in volunteering or donating may contact MFAF at 816.968.2227, or mfpstaff@gmail.com .