Oconee attains reduction in uninsured health insuraned population

A non-profit organization that strives to help solve economic challenges faced by South Carolinians believes that, in spite of its short fallings, the country’s health insurance law has made a measurable difference in the state and in Oconee County.  The Palmetto Project’s Shelli Quenga this morning provided updated numbers from the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, to indicate that more than 200 thousand South Carolinians have gained comprehensive health coverage under the law.  The uninsured rate has dropped from 18.7% in 2013 to 12.3% in 2016.  And Quenga says Oconee has seen its percentage of uninsured county residents drop to 13%, from the 19% during the first year of enrollment in 2013.  Open-enrollment season is underway and, according to the Palmetto Project, regardless of what happens with the ACA in the next Congress, coverage is safe through 2017.  Quenga says thousands of South Carolinians may be inadvertsently leaving money on the table.  Many do not realize they can get help; they end up paying higher premiums than necessary.  Any South Carolinian who wants to meet with an in-person enrollment assister can schedule a free appointment.  Call signupSCtoll-free at 1/888-998-4646 or visit www.palmettoproject.org.