MU Extension’s Health Insurance Education Initiative Hosting Classes in Branson, Joplin Regions this Month

Contact: Dr. Pam Duitsman, nutrition and health specialist
Headquartered in Greene County
Tel: (417) 881-8909
E-mail: duitsmanp@missouri.edu

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Do you have questions about the Affordable Care Act? University of Missouri Extension is offering information about the new health care law that can help families and individuals understand their options and responsibilities.

An updated list of other health insurance education classes in southwest Missouri that are scheduled can be found online at http://extension.missouri.edu/insure/families.aspx.

Several new classes have been scheduled during the month of November in the Branson and Joplin regions as well as Seymour. The following is details about the programs already scheduled in southwest Missouri.

SEYMOUR

The Seymour Bank Seniority Club is sponsoring an event from 2 to 4 p.m., Nov. 15 at the YMCA in Seymour. This session will be taught by Dr. Pam Duitsman, nutrition specialist with MU Extension.

BRANSON AREA PROGRAMS

Each of the sessions in the Branson area will be presented by Nellie Lamers, a family financial education specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

• Two classes, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., both on Tuesday, Nov. 12, Taney County OACAC Neighborhood Center, 610 S. 6th Street, Branson; to register call (417) 239-1882.

• Public program from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the First Christian Church,  5 Hilltop Dr., Kimberling City, Mo.; to register call (417) 739-2673.

• Program hosted by the Healthy Families Taskforce meeting, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Woodland Hills Family Church, 3953 Green Mountain Drive, Branson; to register or for more information call (417) 546-4431.

• One session from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Southwest Center for Independent Living, 109 N. Veterans Blvd, Suite 400, Branson, Mo; to register call (417) 886-1188

• Two classes will be offered from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the Stone County Annex, 106 East 5th Street, Galena, Mo.; to register please contact Stone County Extension at (417) 357-6812.

JOPLIN AREA PROGRAMS

Each of these will be presented by Janet Lafon, a family financial education specialist with University of Missouri Extension in partnership with Freeman Health System and Mercy Hospital of Joplin. For more information on either of these programs contact the Jasper County Extension Center at (417) 358-2158.

• 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 12 in the Carthage Junior High School Annex, 714 S. Main (in the Physical Education Building across the street from the main Junior High building.

• 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 18 in the Neosho High School Auditorium, 511 S. Neosho Blvd, Neosho. For more information, contact the Jasper County Extension Center at (417) 358-2158.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

“The Health Insurance Education Initiative will help Show-Me State citizens understand their health insurance options and learn how to get help in their own communities if they choose to enroll in Missouri’s health insurance marketplace,” said Brenda Procter, associate professor of consumer and family economics for MU Extension.

A new website, at extension.missouri.edu/insure, provides educational materials and links to information. There’s a map of Missouri educators who can provide local workshops and a calendar where you can learn about upcoming events near you.

“The website is a one-stop source for factual, unbiased information about the changes in health insurance that are required by the new law,” Procter said.

MU Extension’s Health Insurance Education Initiative website will also provide resources for the state’s small businesses, including information about tax credits for offering insurance to employees and explanations of rules that might affect their bottom line, she said.
###