LEDGER – Changes to Medicaid are coming soon, and the Mitchell County Department of Social Services and Mitchell County Health Department want citizens to be aware. Representatives will be available from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, during a Community Resource Fair at Mitchell High School to explain the changes as well as discuss other resources available in the community.
Healthcare representatives will be on-site, and there will be activities for children and lunchtime food trucks.
Medicaid open enrollment began Oct. 15, and as of Feb. 1, 2020, Medicare managed-care changes will be unveiled. Mitchell County DSS Director Sara Ross said there are 5,235 Mitchell County residents receiving Medicaid benefits, which equals 30 percent of the county’s population.
Nearly 30 agencies will be present at the event to inform and educate residents of Mitchell County about Managed Medicaid Reform and to assist them in enrolling, as well as promoting the other human services available in Mitchell County.
“We’ve got to tell people what’s happening,” Ross said. “The purpose of this event is to allow people to self-advocate, enroll where they need to be enrolled, and get their questions answered. Our residents will want to know if their favorite physician is in one or all of the four plans being offered if the services they use the most are covered and by which plan, among many other things.”
The Community Resource Fair was initiated by Medicaid Transformation but is not limited to that population.
The Community Resource Fair is free and open to the public. Transportation will be provided at no cost. Call the Mitchell County Department of Social Services at 828-688-2175 for more information or with any questions.