<p>For Immediate Release Contact: Toniann Richard/Office: 660.259.2440 Cell: 816.807.7774 [email protected]</p><p>HCC of Rural Missouri Holds Health Insurance Marketplace Outreach & Education Workshops</p><p>Next year, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) will require all American citizens to purchase approved health insurance plans or pay a penalty if not eligible for an exemption. The Health Care Collaborative (HCC) of Rural Missouri, in conjunction with its Live Well Health & Wellness Community Initiative, is bringing a Health Insurance Marketplace Outreach & Education Workshop to a city near you. </p><p>Get the facts about the marketplace, ask questions and access resources to help you make informed decisions about individual or family health plans. RSVP at HCCNetwork.org/marketplace, and find a complete schedule of marketplace outreach and enrollment assistance events in West Central Missouri. Individuals without internet access are encouraged to call 660.259.2440 for details.</p><p>HCC Marketplace Outreach & Education Schedule</p><p>Lexington - August 21 - 5:30-7:30pm - Margaret Gray Senior Center - 811 S. Business Hwy 13, Lexington, MO 64067</p><p>Keytesville - August 22 - 5:30-7:30pm - Chariton County Health Department - 206 States Street, Keytesville, MO 65261</p><p>Higginsville - August 24 - 9:30-11:30am - Higginsville Senior Center - 101 W. 21st St., Higginsville, MO 64037</p><p>Odessa - August 26 - 5:30-7:30pm - Recovery Lighthouse/Heart of God Church (basement) - 106 W. Mason St., Odessa, MO 64076</p><p>Richmond - August 29 - 5:30-7:30pm - Eagleton Senior Center - 1015 W. Royle, Richmond, MO 64085 Warrensburg - September 12 - 5:30-7:30pm - Warrensburg Senior Center - 445 E. Gay St., Suite 128, Warrensburg, MO 64093</p><p>Carrollton - September 19 - 5:30-7:30pm - MVCAA Offices - 16 S. Folger, Carrollton, MO 64633</p><p>Marshall - September 26 - 5:30-7:30pm - Martin Community Center - 1985S. Odell, Marshall, MO 65340</p><p>Sedalia - September 30 - 5:30-7:30pm - Katy Trail Community Health - 821 Westwood Dr., Sedalia, MO 65301 - Community Room, west side of building</p><p>1 of 2 Marketplace Enrollment Begins October 1 Marketplace enrollment begins October 1, 2013. HCC will provide enrollment assistance for individuals, families and businesses. Visit HCCNetwork.org/marketplace to RSVP to any of our Health Insurance Marketplace Outreach and Education Workshops and to find dates for enrollment assistance outreach in a city near you.</p><p>Important Marketplace Enrollment Dates If you plan to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace, make note of these coverage effective dates: The initial enrollment period is October 1, 2013 – March 31, 2013. Individuals or families who enroll by December 15, 2013 will receive coverage on January 1, 2014. Those who enroll between the 1st and 15th day of January through March will receive coverage on the first day of the following month. Those who enroll between the 16th and last day of the month will receive coverage the first day of the second following month. Some exceptions may allow of earlier effective dates. Special enrollment periods are available in certain circumstances during the year. </p><p>Visit HealthCare.gov for details, or HCCNetwork.org/marketplace for upcoming marketplace enrollment assistance outreach events. ###</p>