Tech community: Here’s how to help folks get health insurance

With its enrollment period shortened and its marketing budget cut, the effort to get people to sign up for healthcare under the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid needs all the help it can get.

That’s why a volunteer effort called Get Covered Philly is banding together to connect people with accurate information about health insurance.

“I’ve been without health insurance before, and I know it can create catastrophic situations that could be avoidable,” said Briana Morgan, a digital strategist who works in public health and is part of the organizing team.

Have questions about signing up for health insurance? We can help you get answers. #GetCoveredPhilly #GetCovered #SpreadTheHealth pic.twitter.com/DKEGAr97oQ

— Get Covered Philly (@getcoveredphl) November 15, 2017

The lead organizing team is made up of EPAM’s Marta Rusek, Holly Munson, Todd Hestand and Nicole Hess alongside Morgan. There’s also a tech team comprised of Shyanne Ruiz, Ebonie Butler, Michelle Colón, Brian Crumley and Ryan Killeen. Overall, it’s a team of close to 50 volunteers.

On its website, users can check out enrollment events, make appointments at local health centers to get guidance or browse through a list of verified Philly “navigators.”

(Read more on Get Covered Philly in this profile from our sister site Generocity.)

So, how can the tech company get behind the volunteer-run effort? Morgan said there’s a need for a wealth of skills: think graphic design and web development, but also in-person advertising or joining the organizing team. But mostly, it’s about sharing the information to those who need it the most.

Those interested in pitching in their skills can fill out this form.