Lowcountry #Getcovered Surge Center
Final Day & Future Plans Press Event
Friday, Dec. 20, 2013 at 11 am
Fountain Walk, on historic Charleston Harbor, location of the Lowcountry #Getcovered Surge Center for the past three weeks. From the front walkway, you can see Ft. Sumter, where the American Civil War began. A different struggle, to bring healthcare to the area, is being fought from the Center.
Charleston, SC- On Friday, December 20th at 5pm the Lowcountry #Getcovered Surge Center established by the SC Progressive Network at 360 Concord Street, Suite 105 in Charleston, SC will conclude its three week tenancy on Fountain Walk. Surge Center navigators and Certified Application Counselors (CACs) have helped more than 400 South Carolinians apply for health coverage at a significantly reduced cost, thanks to federal subsidies available through the Affordable Care Act.
At 11:00am on Friday, December 20th there will be a brief press event at the Surge Center to reveal our Christmas tree, which is now fully decorated with hand-made navigation ornaments. These ornaments, based on a design by graphic designer Anne Jett Owens, show navigator wings made angelic, with a compass in the center. Each ornament on the tree represents an individual who has successfully applied for Marketplace health policies. Ms Owens has also created an elaborate Christmas tree topper which will be given to Mayor Reilly in appreciation for Charleston’s efforts to insure its residents.
Navigators and CACs are extensively trained in regulations established by the Affordable Care Act; to determine eligibility for Marketplace policies and the subsidies available to many members of the general public. Both navigators and CACs are available to meet with consumers, at no cost, to explain the implications of the ACA for South Carolinians. Additionally, they can assist with the application for health insurance and any subsidies for which they are eligible.
The SC Progressive Network is a coalition of healthcare, social justice, environmental and civil rights organizations which has devoted 20 years to the goal of universal health coverage.
The SC Progressive Network wishes to express its sincere thanks to the City of Charleston, Mayor Joe Riley, and his staff, for the generous donation of their office space and support of the Surge Center team. We are profoundly grateful for the many volunteers -- navigators, CACs, and dedicated support staff -- whose work has made this endeavor possible. Navigators and CACs from the Palmetto Project, the Cooperative Ministries, and the Beufort Black Chamber of Commerce have also helped educate and enroll consumers through participation in the Surge Center, and their cooperation, flexibility and support has been highly appreciated.
Navigation Services Available for Final Weekend
The deadline for January 1st coverage under the ACA is Monday, December 23rd. Members of the public wishing for assistance with the application process may see navigators at the IEBW union hall at 3345 Seiberling Rd. in North Charleston, SC 29418 on Saturday and Sunday, December 21 and 22, between the hours of 9am and 5pm. Walk-in service will be available, but to reduce wait times, the public is encouraged to phone 843.475.2859 to schedule an appointment. To locate navigation efforts beyond December 22nd, consumers may call the above number, or call 2-1-1 for up-to-date information.