Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/898573
N ovember is here and the new year is right around the cor- ner. As you prepare for 2018, don't forget about health insurance. If your insurance is not covered by an employer, parental guardian, Medicare or Medicaid, you can obtain afford- able insurance through the Affordable Care Act. This year, without explanation, the open enrollment period for sign-ups was cut from the standard three- month window to only six weeks, making it imperative for those in need of ACA insurance to sign-up as quickly as possible. Jewish Family Service offers free assistance from Health Care Navigators. "Navigators assist with everything from creating an account to explain- ing the terminol- ogy associated with insurance plans. We also help the con- sumer understand their subsidies and co-sharing options," says Megan Pudlik, a JFS navigator. "We go as far as to sit with the consumer and call the doc- tor's office to ensure they accept the plan the consumer is considering. We help the consumer select and enroll in a plan for the upcoming year, and we educate them on what to expect with making their monthly premium payments." Erica Saum, another JFS naviga- tor, says it's easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with the decision to choose one of 100 plans. She emphasizes it's important to reach out for help if there are any questions about what you qualify for or what certain coverage plans mean. "Without assistance from naviga- tors, consumers are intimidated by the scope of questions and the ter- minology, and they could incorrectly assume they are not eligible for any coverage," Saum says. Both Pudlik and Saum stress that although many people are not expect- ing a life-threatening accident to occur or an illness to overtake them, you never know what could happen and it's important to be insured and be prepared for anything. "We have heard it firsthand from consumers that having healthcare coverage has saved their lives," Saum says. "It may sound drastic but having coverage allows someone to receive medical attention before an issue becomes dangerous, rather than avoiding treatment due to fear of cost." Pudlik adds, "Having health insur- ance protects people from unan- ticipated and potentially financially catastrophic consequences of illness and injury." Insurance also covers annual physi- cals, mammograms, immunizations, colonoscopies and prescription drugs. "I helped an African immigrant who is a full-time student and also working 24 hours a week," says JFS navigator Olga Semenova. "He needed help under- standing what sort of coverage he could get as an immigrant and how the plan worked. I have helped him for over a year. He was having issues with his eye and, through his plan, was able to get an eye exam and realize he needed glass- es as an adult." Semenova also speaks Russian and has been working with a Russian- speaking immigrant for the last few years. "At JFS, we believe healthcare isn't a privilege, but a basic need that needs to be met. If someone needs assistance in obtaining coverage, they should call us," says Saum. • To schedule an appointment with a navigator, call (248) 592-2313 or email resourcecenter@ jfsdetroit.org. JFS Health Navigators Affordable Care Act sign-up time frame shortened. Erica Saum KARLEIGH STONE SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS Olga Semenova Megan Pudlik Contact Larry Allan **.''Nff[nXi[8m\%9\kn\\e(+D`c\8[Xdj9`id`e^_Xd#D@ @]pflXi\efkn\Xi`e^`k¿j\cc`k%%% fi9FIIFNfe`k Pfl can't enjoy jewelry if it's sitting in your safe deposit box. Sell or borrow on it for immediate cash. We deal in jewelry, watches, diamonds and coins. A Service to Private Owners, Banks & Estates 248-644-8565 Coins & Jewelry 2141080 WWW.HOM.ORG CALL 24/7 TOLLFREE: (888) 247-5701 CHOOSE THE EXPERTS Proud to partner with the Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network CARING FOR THE DETROIT JEWISH COMMUNITY SINCE 1980 32906 Middlebelt Rd (at 14 Mile) (248) 855- 0007 Please see our menu at www.johnnypomodoros.com DAIRY TRAY FRUIT TRAY MEAT TRAY Johnny Pomodoro's is your ONE STOP SHOP for all of your needs! CANDY & NUT TRAY MARTY'S COOKIES Delivery Available Shiva Trays, Deli Nosh Dairy and Deli Trays, Marty's Cookie Trays, Johnny's Signature Fruit & Veggie Trays CALL JOHNNY'S FOR TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL SHIVA TRAYS. 48 November 9 • 2017 jn soul www.thejewishnews.com Feature your business with our new way to advertise, on our website. Three sizes to choose from with affordable pricing options.