Calendar of Events

Donor Turnout Hits Historic Low

The Blood Connection extends collection hours in response to urgent need

The Blood Connection, the community blood center, is seeing historically low blood donor turnout and has extended its center hours in response to this urgent need. According to the latest TBC data, local hospitals have consumed twice as much blood as the community has donated. If this trend continues, it could cause a blood rationing event or blood shortage for hospitals in this community. Donation centers are now open earlier and later to accommodate more blood donors.

Donor Turnout Hits Historic Low

The Blood Connection extends collection hours in response to urgent need

The Blood Connection, the community blood center, is seeing historically low blood donor turnout and has extended its center hours in response to this urgent need. According to the latest TBC data, local hospitals have consumed twice as much blood as the community has donated. If this trend continues, it could cause a blood rationing event or blood shortage for hospitals in this community. Donation centers are now open earlier and later to accommodate more blood donors.

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete has shared guidance on the impacts to COBRA resulting from the American Rescue Plan Act through their Legal Bulletin #876. According to the bulletin: if an individual became or becomes eligible for COBRA because of an involuntary change in status, and if the individual has any eligibility left between April 1 and September 30, 2021, and if the individual doesn’t have other coverage available through a spouse’s employment or the individual’s new employment, then he or she will get “free” COBRA coverage. The employer then can recoup the costs with a credit on payroll taxes. The plan sponsor will have to do a great deal of administrative work figuring out how to send which notice to which individuals. Employer-sponsored health plans will be required to provide six months of “free” COBRA coverage to most plan participants who Are eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, and Lose coverage because of involuntary employment termination or reduction in hours. The Plan must inform the eligible individual about the new benefit and provide the option to sign up for what amounts to a premium waiver for the six-month period. An employee or former employee will be eligible for this “free” coverage benefit if any of the following apply during the April 1-September 30 time period: The individual becomes eligible for COBRA coverage The individual currently has COBRA coverage, The individual would have been eligible for COBRA coverage but declined it And the individual is not eligible for other coverage, including through new employment or a spouse’s plan.

Donor Turnout Hits Historic Low

The Blood Connection extends collection hours in response to urgent need

The Blood Connection, the community blood center, is seeing historically low blood donor turnout and has extended its center hours in response to this urgent need. According to the latest TBC data, local hospitals have consumed twice as much blood as the community has donated. If this trend continues, it could cause a blood rationing event or blood shortage for hospitals in this community. Donation centers are now open earlier and later to accommodate more blood donors.

Donor Turnout Hits Historic Low

The Blood Connection extends collection hours in response to urgent need

The Blood Connection, the community blood center, is seeing historically low blood donor turnout and has extended its center hours in response to this urgent need. According to the latest TBC data, local hospitals have consumed twice as much blood as the community has donated. If this trend continues, it could cause a blood rationing event or blood shortage for hospitals in this community. Donation centers are now open earlier and later to accommodate more blood donors.

Make a Free Appointment Today

Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all appointments are currently being conducted by phone. Depending on where you live in WNC, some of Pisgah Legal’s ACA Partners may be offering in-person appointments.

Last year, more than 90 percent of North Carolinians who enrolled for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) received financial assistance to make their plans more affordable. Subsidies are based on household taxable income and may be difficult for consumers to calculate themselves. Pisgah Legal can help with this process and can factor in unemployment benefits if needed. Pisgah Legal can also answer questions about other coverage, such as COBRA, and help people apply for Medicaid and CHIP.

Pisgah Legal and other Enrollment Partners of WNC participating organizations give local residents free, unbiased health insurance information and enrollment assistance in the NC Health Insurance Marketplace. These organizations include: Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., Western Carolina Medical Society, and Pisgah Legal Services.

The ACA – also known as “Obamacare” – is the law that ensures access to quality, affordable health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. With these plans, consumers are protected and:

• Can’t be denied coverage for a pre-existing health condition and can’t be dropped for getting sick;
• Insurers can’t charge higher premiums to women; and
• Insurers can’t sell substandard plans that don’t pay for essential health care benefits.

People have a new opportunity to enroll in health insurance for 2021 on HealthCare.gov, but only for a limited time. This new COVID-19 Special Enrollment period starts on February 15, 2021 and ends on May 15, 2021. Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), and its enrollment partners of WNC, are once again offering free assistance helping people in the 18-county mountain region review their options and sign up for ACA health insurance.

With job losses continuing to mount amid the COVID-19 resurgence, and millions of people having lost their job-based health insurance since the start of this public health and economic crisis, the Biden Administration has opened up HealthCare.gov to give people who need health insurance a new opportunity to get covered, but they must act quickly. For free help locally, with trained assisters, make an appointment at pisgahlegal.org/aca or call (828) 210-3404.

“More than 535,000 North Carolinians enrolled in a health insurance plan during the last Open Enrollment period,” said Shannon Cornelius, Pisgah Legal’s Health Justice Program Director. “This is a new chance for people to sign up, and anyone who needs health insurance should visit HealthCare.gov today, or contact Pisgah Legal Services if you need assistance. Don’t delay.”

Health insurance is more affordable than many people think. In North Carolina, 83 percent of current marketplace consumers had plans available for 2021 that cost less than $50 per month, after financial help. Nine out of 10 marketplace enrollees in North Carolina received financial help that lowered their monthly health insurance premiums last year. In addition, 57 percent of enrollees also qualified for lower out-of-pocket costs for health care services.

“With this new Special Enrollment Period, both new and existing marketplace consumers can shop for marketplace pans, compare options, costs and even make changes. It opens up the ability to get health insurance outside of Open Enrollment. Our certified application counselors can help answer questions and get you enrolled in the plan that works best for you and your family,” said Cornelius.

Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage, with no pre-existing condition exclusions or markups. All plans cover essential benefits, including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and maternity care. In addition, consumers receive free preventive care services, such as immunizations and health screenings. Testing and treatment of COVID-19 are considered essential health benefits and are covered by all HealthCare.gov plans.

Consumers should avoid insurance plans offered outside of HealthCare.gov that seem too good to be true. “Junk insurance” products and short-term limited duration plans pose huge financial risks to consumers. These products can refuse to pay for care for pre-existing conditions, charge consumers more based on their gender, and impose annual coverage limits.

“HealthCare.gov is the only website where North Carolina consumers are guaranteed to get comprehensive coverage,” said Cornelius.

Make a Free Appointment Today

The health insurance landscape can be confusing, but free, local help is available. Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all Pisgah Legal Services appointments are currently being conducted by phone, some community partners may offer in person assistance.

— Healthy individuals are needed every day to maintain an adequate
blood supply for patients in need. Once a donor has made the commitment to give blood, it is
important to take a few simple steps to prepare and help ensure a good donation experience.
Get a good night’s sleep, drink an extra 16 ounces of water, eat iron-rich foods to maintain a
healthy iron level and consume a low-fat meal before donating.
Donating blood is an easy way to help others and only takes about an hour. The Red Cross
encourages donors to give blood every time they are eligible.

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete has shared guidance on the impacts to COBRA resulting from the American Rescue Plan Act through their Legal Bulletin #876. According to the bulletin: if an individual became or becomes eligible for COBRA because of an involuntary change in status, and if the individual has any eligibility left between April 1 and September 30, 2021, and if the individual doesn’t have other coverage available through a spouse’s employment or the individual’s new employment, then he or she will get “free” COBRA coverage. The employer then can recoup the costs with a credit on payroll taxes. The plan sponsor will have to do a great deal of administrative work figuring out how to send which notice to which individuals. Employer-sponsored health plans will be required to provide six months of “free” COBRA coverage to most plan participants who Are eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, and Lose coverage because of involuntary employment termination or reduction in hours. The Plan must inform the eligible individual about the new benefit and provide the option to sign up for what amounts to a premium waiver for the six-month period. An employee or former employee will be eligible for this “free” coverage benefit if any of the following apply during the April 1-September 30 time period: The individual becomes eligible for COBRA coverage The individual currently has COBRA coverage, The individual would have been eligible for COBRA coverage but declined it And the individual is not eligible for other coverage, including through new employment or a spouse’s plan.

Donor Turnout Hits Historic Low

The Blood Connection extends collection hours in response to urgent need

The Blood Connection, the community blood center, is seeing historically low blood donor turnout and has extended its center hours in response to this urgent need. According to the latest TBC data, local hospitals have consumed twice as much blood as the community has donated. If this trend continues, it could cause a blood rationing event or blood shortage for hospitals in this community. Donation centers are now open earlier and later to accommodate more blood donors.

Donor Turnout Hits Historic Low

The Blood Connection extends collection hours in response to urgent need

The Blood Connection, the community blood center, is seeing historically low blood donor turnout and has extended its center hours in response to this urgent need. According to the latest TBC data, local hospitals have consumed twice as much blood as the community has donated. If this trend continues, it could cause a blood rationing event or blood shortage for hospitals in this community. Donation centers are now open earlier and later to accommodate more blood donors.

Make a Free Appointment Today

Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all appointments are currently being conducted by phone. Depending on where you live in WNC, some of Pisgah Legal’s ACA Partners may be offering in-person appointments.

Last year, more than 90 percent of North Carolinians who enrolled for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) received financial assistance to make their plans more affordable. Subsidies are based on household taxable income and may be difficult for consumers to calculate themselves. Pisgah Legal can help with this process and can factor in unemployment benefits if needed. Pisgah Legal can also answer questions about other coverage, such as COBRA, and help people apply for Medicaid and CHIP.

Pisgah Legal and other Enrollment Partners of WNC participating organizations give local residents free, unbiased health insurance information and enrollment assistance in the NC Health Insurance Marketplace. These organizations include: Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., Western Carolina Medical Society, and Pisgah Legal Services.

The ACA – also known as “Obamacare” – is the law that ensures access to quality, affordable health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. With these plans, consumers are protected and:

• Can’t be denied coverage for a pre-existing health condition and can’t be dropped for getting sick;
• Insurers can’t charge higher premiums to women; and
• Insurers can’t sell substandard plans that don’t pay for essential health care benefits.

Join Asheville OWLS Training for FUN 45-minute outdoor workouts, designed with low-impact exercise. Classes are designed for ACTIVE mature adults, ages 60+, but ALL are welcome to attend. FREE – Outdoors in the Park – Contactless Registration. Find More Info at https://www.ashevilleowls.com/fitness-in-the-park. Email Trainer, Leah Brennan at [email protected] with questions. See you in the park!

People have a new opportunity to enroll in health insurance for 2021 on HealthCare.gov, but only for a limited time. This new COVID-19 Special Enrollment period starts on February 15, 2021 and ends on May 15, 2021. Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), and its enrollment partners of WNC, are once again offering free assistance helping people in the 18-county mountain region review their options and sign up for ACA health insurance.

With job losses continuing to mount amid the COVID-19 resurgence, and millions of people having lost their job-based health insurance since the start of this public health and economic crisis, the Biden Administration has opened up HealthCare.gov to give people who need health insurance a new opportunity to get covered, but they must act quickly. For free help locally, with trained assisters, make an appointment at pisgahlegal.org/aca or call (828) 210-3404.

“More than 535,000 North Carolinians enrolled in a health insurance plan during the last Open Enrollment period,” said Shannon Cornelius, Pisgah Legal’s Health Justice Program Director. “This is a new chance for people to sign up, and anyone who needs health insurance should visit HealthCare.gov today, or contact Pisgah Legal Services if you need assistance. Don’t delay.”

Health insurance is more affordable than many people think. In North Carolina, 83 percent of current marketplace consumers had plans available for 2021 that cost less than $50 per month, after financial help. Nine out of 10 marketplace enrollees in North Carolina received financial help that lowered their monthly health insurance premiums last year. In addition, 57 percent of enrollees also qualified for lower out-of-pocket costs for health care services.

“With this new Special Enrollment Period, both new and existing marketplace consumers can shop for marketplace pans, compare options, costs and even make changes. It opens up the ability to get health insurance outside of Open Enrollment. Our certified application counselors can help answer questions and get you enrolled in the plan that works best for you and your family,” said Cornelius.

Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage, with no pre-existing condition exclusions or markups. All plans cover essential benefits, including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and maternity care. In addition, consumers receive free preventive care services, such as immunizations and health screenings. Testing and treatment of COVID-19 are considered essential health benefits and are covered by all HealthCare.gov plans.

Consumers should avoid insurance plans offered outside of HealthCare.gov that seem too good to be true. “Junk insurance” products and short-term limited duration plans pose huge financial risks to consumers. These products can refuse to pay for care for pre-existing conditions, charge consumers more based on their gender, and impose annual coverage limits.

“HealthCare.gov is the only website where North Carolina consumers are guaranteed to get comprehensive coverage,” said Cornelius.

Make a Free Appointment Today

The health insurance landscape can be confusing, but free, local help is available. Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all Pisgah Legal Services appointments are currently being conducted by phone, some community partners may offer in person assistance.

Join Asheville OWLS Training for FUN 45-minute outdoor workouts, designed with low-impact exercise. Classes are designed for ACTIVE mature adults, ages 60+, but ALL are welcome to attend.

FREE – Outdoors in the Park – Contactless Registration.

Find More Info at https://www.ashevilleowls.com/fitness-in-the-park.

Email Trainer, Leah Brennan at [email protected] with questions.
See you in the park!

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete has shared guidance on the impacts to COBRA resulting from the American Rescue Plan Act through their Legal Bulletin #876. According to the bulletin: if an individual became or becomes eligible for COBRA because of an involuntary change in status, and if the individual has any eligibility left between April 1 and September 30, 2021, and if the individual doesn’t have other coverage available through a spouse’s employment or the individual’s new employment, then he or she will get “free” COBRA coverage. The employer then can recoup the costs with a credit on payroll taxes. The plan sponsor will have to do a great deal of administrative work figuring out how to send which notice to which individuals. Employer-sponsored health plans will be required to provide six months of “free” COBRA coverage to most plan participants who Are eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, and Lose coverage because of involuntary employment termination or reduction in hours. The Plan must inform the eligible individual about the new benefit and provide the option to sign up for what amounts to a premium waiver for the six-month period. An employee or former employee will be eligible for this “free” coverage benefit if any of the following apply during the April 1-September 30 time period: The individual becomes eligible for COBRA coverage The individual currently has COBRA coverage, The individual would have been eligible for COBRA coverage but declined it And the individual is not eligible for other coverage, including through new employment or a spouse’s plan.