The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program asks, “Do You Need Health Insurance?” Their Health Insurance Navigators will be present at some upcoming local events to assist anyone looking to set up health insurance coverage:
Colona Library Petting Zoo
Thursday, July 17 1-2 p.m.
Colona Public Library, 911 1st St., Colona
Geneseo Sidewalk Sales Event
Friday, July 25 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Downtown Geneseo
“Get Covered Illinois” Navigators can help you:
● Find affordable health coverage that meets your needs
● Fill out and submit your application
● Compare quality health plans side-by-side
● Find out if you qualify for financial help to lower your monthly premium
● Find out if you qualify for Medicaid or an affordability program
● Understand your benefits
● Understand health insurance terms
Remember you may be eligible to enroll in a Get Covered Illinois health plan outside of the usual Open Enrollment, or make changes to your existing coverage, if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period SEP. The SEP may require you to enroll within 60 days of a Qualifying Life Event.
A qualifying life event is a life change, such as:
Loss of Health Coverage, due to:
● Losing job-based coverage
● Losing Medicaid coverage
● Losing Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors or Health Benefits For Immigrants Adult coverage
● A divorce or legal separation
● Turning 26 years old, no longer eligible for parents’ coverage
Other Qualifying Life Events include:
● Getting Married
● Having a baby or adopting a child
● Moving to a new ZIP code or county
● Becoming a US Citizen
● Leaving incarceration.
For more information on this Get Covered Illinois Navigator Event or assistance in enrolling in a Get Covered Illinois Healthcare Marketplace please call 309-852-5272.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents of the importance of staying safe in this summer’s heat.
According to officials, “Summer’s warmth, enjoyed by so many people, can be dangerous when the temperature climbs above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to making one feel fatigued and uncomfortable, unchecked exposure to excessive heat can lead to serious illness and even death.”
During hot and humid weather the body’s ability to cool itself is affected. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and heat-related illnesses may develop. Heat-related illnesses can range from heat cramps to heat exhaustion to more serious heat stroke. Heat stroke can result in death and requires immediate medical attention.
Everyone is affected by extreme heat; however, those people at higher risk of a heat-related illness include: older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic heart/lung problems, people with disabilities, overweight persons, those who work in hot settings, users of some medications, and people who are isolated that don’t know when or how to cool off or when to call for help.
To avoid heat related stress remember:
● Avoid outdoor activities from noon to 4 p.m.
● Use fans or air-conditioners liberally or visit air-conditioned places – shopping malls, libraries, theatres.
● Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
● Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
● Eat small meals and eat more often.
● Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
● Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
● Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors and use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
● Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
● Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.
For more information on heat safety and other summer survival strategies, contact the Health Department at 309-852-0197 or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.
