NAACP Milwaukee shares info on Affordable Care Act



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- As the first day of open enrollment approaches, the Milwaukee chapter of the NAACP is spreading the word about an important resource for those with lingering questions about the Affordable Care Act.

"There are so many people in our community who are uninsured or under-insured or just don't know what to do now that the act is going into effect," said James Hall, President of NAACP - Milwaukee Branch.

During its monthly meeting, the Milwaukee chapter of the NAACP is reaching out to its thousand members and offering some advice.

"There is so much out there. It's a matter of how do we make sure people get the relevant information they need in order to be in a position to act," said Hall.

Milwaukee County's social services hotline, 211, is also a great resource for anyone with questions. The service recently received a $100,000 grant to help provide residents with guidance on health care options.

"To me, it's the best one-stop shop," said President of the Black Health Coalition, Patricia McManus.

There is also healthcare.gov, which lets you compare other options, however there's concern that many low-income families won't have access. McManus says Wisconsin received $800,000 to help pay for outreach programs, but with benefits set to kick in on January 1st, there are still some gray areas.

"Some of the other things that have come up -- portability -- we haven't gotten a lot of clarity on. If you go out of state, what's covered?" asked McManus.

City leaders say 13% of Milwaukee residents are uninsured and, statewide, 10% of residents are not covered. Next year, it will be a requirement.