BRAZOS COUNTY, Texas – The Brazos County Health District is hosting its second free health insurance enrolment event on Thursday, 2 November.
Samantha Chamberlain, an insurance broker and one of the leaders of the event, explained the success of the first year: “We actually covered over 150 people in the greater Brazos County area, including Grimes County and several surrounding counties. I think the number is about 97% of them got full coverage at $0 per month”.
Everyone is welcome to learn more about how to get the coverage they need to live healthy lives.
Felicia Benford, Health Equity Coordinator for the Brazos County Health Department, describes her experience: “We see a diversity. We have some African Americans. We have Hispanics, we have Caucasians. It just depends. There are a lot of reasons why people don’t have insurance. Some people have insurance for their children, but not for themselves because it’s so expensive.
The group’s work has helped to ease the minds of those worried about their future treatment.
“Just last week I helped a girl who lost her insurance in June because she changed jobs, and unfortunately she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last summer. We were able to get her on a plan with a super low deductible. I mean, she literally cries when she says, I’m going to take care of this,” Chamberlain said.
One local resident knows the impact health insurance can have on a family’s life.
Tina Workmon, a Brazos County resident and caregiver, explained, “My dad had emphysema and he needed oxygen, so having that health insurance really helped pay for all that. Also, my mother with her health, it helps pay for a lot of things.”
On Thursday, the health centre will be open to anyone, no appointment needed.
Chamberlain said, “We’re going to stay open until the last person is here at 7:30 p.m. or even later.
