Where you can learn more about the Affordable Care Act in your hometown

Now that we’re getting to the final deadline — March 31 — when people can enroll in the Affordable Care Act during this year’s open enrollment period, here’s a reminder of events in the Chicago area, where navigators can walk through what you need to know.

I update this page as often as I can, so keep checking this page. The latest events are at the bottom.

Get Covered Illinois is hosting more than 160 events are being planned in cities and towns throughout the state this weekend and beyond. For a complete list of events, visit http://getcoveredillinois.gov/events/. There, you can enter your zip code or your address to see what events are happening in your area.

Here are the events that I know about:

Nov. 2

Casa Juan Diego in Chicago, in partnership with the Pilsen Wellness Center and Casa Guanajuato, will host a traditional family Mexican Day of the Dead festival at 5 p.m. featuring a parade with performing artists and a special altar dedicated to those who died of pre-existing conditions and were unable to get insurance. Bilingual Navigators will be onsite to enroll and answer consumers’ questions about their healthcare options.

Nov. 2

Affordable Care Act, Health Insurance Enrollment

Sinai Community Institute, 2653 W. Ogden Ave (Washtenaw entrance), will host in-person counselors and navigators who can help members of the community get health insurance under the Affordable Care Act by learning about options based on their personal circumstances. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 773-257-5121 if you want more information.

Nov. 4

The New Healthcare Laws, and How They Affect You

A panel of Loyola medical students and faculty will visit Maywood Public Library District on Monday, November 4th, from 6:00-7:00 pm, to discuss the new healthcare laws set forth by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including how they will affect residents of Maywood. Topics will include the new mandatory health insurance law, purchasing insurance through new online Health Exchanges, expansion of Medicaid, and other important topics. The audience will be able to ask questions about the presentation following the talk. This event is free.

Nov. 7

Obamacare, Just the Facts, Part II

The League of Women Voters-Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Area will present “Obamacare, Just the Facts, Part II” on Thursday, November 7, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The forum will take place at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, 700 N. Sheridan Road in Lake Forest. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.

The speakers will provide brief presentations explaining the practical and technical aspects of enrolling in a health insurance plan through Get Covered Illinois – The Official Health Marketplace. Time will be allotted for answering questions from the audience. For further information on the forum, please email: contact@lwv-lflb.org. For more information on Enroll Lake County or the Affordable Care Act, visit: EnrollLakeCounty.com or GetCoveredIllinois.gov.

Nov. 16

With the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Illinois health insurance marketplace in swing, many Latino residents still have questions about how they and their families can benefit from the new health insurance options. On Saturday, November 16, Chicagoans will have the chance to hear from health care advocates and elected officials about what the ACA is, its benefits and the importance of protecting the first comprehensive health care bill for Americans. Free vision and dental screenings will be available. Spanish-speaking in-person counselors and health care navigators will be on hand to assist attendees as they begin the enrollment process.

WHAT: Community health event providing residents what they need to know about their new insurance options under the Affordable Care Act

WHEN: Saturday, November 16, 2013, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (Speaking program/workshop to begin at 11:00)

WHERE: Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Cafeteria, 1852 W 22nd Pl., Chicago, IL 60608

For more information, please call 312-822-0505.

Dec. 14

The Get Covered America Campaign partners with Enroll Chicago and Bethel AME Church. Join us for an opportunity to inform you about the Affordable Care Act and enroll into the new marketplace. If you plan to enter into the marketplace, please bring the following: 1) State Identification 2) Proof of Income (If Any) 3) Proof of residency (If ID address is different from current residence)

When: Saturday, December 14, 2013 1:00-4:00 PM

Host: Cortnee Smith

Location: Bethel AME Church, 4444 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653

Dec. 15

Join the Get Covered America Campaign and the Lilydale First Baptist Church as they host an enrollment event geared toward educating the masses about the Illinois Marketplace. Take this opportunity to ask questions and enroll as the deadline approaches. To participate in the enrollment process please bring: 1) Proof of Income (if any), 2) State issued I.D. and 3) Proof of residency (if state I.D. is different from current place of residency.)

When: Sunday, December 15, 2013 9:00 AM-2:00 PM

Host: Cortnee Smith

Location: Lilydale First Baptist Church, 649 W. 113th Street, Chicago, IL 60628

Dec. 19

Get Covered America is partnering with Enroll Chicago and Lutheran Children and Family Services to connect consumers with health insurance navigators and in-person assisters for a health insurance workshop. The workshop will have bilingual assistants who speak both Spanish and English.

What: Get Covered America Enrollment Workshop

Where: Lutheran Children and Family Services

4720 N. Sheridan Rd.

Chicago, IL 60640

When: Thursday, December 19

11 am to 3 pm

Dec. 30

What: The Southland leaders of the Southland Leadership Council are uniting to sound the alarm concerning the Affordable Care Act’s deadline swiftly approaching. In-person counselors and navigators will be on site to sign people up for health insurance.

Where: Kingsberry’s Waffle House, 3345 Vollmer Rd, Flossmoor

When: 8:30 a.m.

Jan. 20

What: Holy Cross Hospital is hosting a public enrollment event where individuals can get advice from ACA experts and get covered on the spot. Walk-ins are welcome.

Who: ACA specialists and navigators employed by Sinai Health System, all of whom have formal training in educating and enrolling individuals for health insurance in the public marketplace.

Where: Walk-ins should come to the north lobby of Holy Cross Hospital, located at 2701 W. 68 Street in Chicago, IL 60629.

Individuals with pre-scheduled enrollment appointments should come to 2735 W. 69 Street in Chicago, IL 60629.

When: Monday, January 20, from noon to 7 PM

Jan. 28

What: Get Covered America enrollment event at Olive-Harvey College

Where: Olive-Harvey College, 10001 South Woodlawn Ave, Main Lobby

When: Tuesday, January 28, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Who: Get Covered America

City Colleges of Chicago

Enroll Chicago

Health and Disability Advocates

How: For more details, please e-mail krowney@enrollamerica.org

Feb. 1

Sinai ACA navigators hold enrollment event for the Deaf community

What: Three Sinai navigators will be available to assist with Affordable Care Act education and enrollment at a program targeting the Deaf community. Interpreters provided by the library will be available. Navigators will be able to assist with enrollment in both Medicaid and the insurance exchange. The library anticipates that approximately 30 people will attend seeking information and assistance.

Where: Woodson Regional Library, 9525 South Halsted, Chicago

When: Saturday, February 1, 2014, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Feb. 8

What: Get Covered Insurance Festival

Where: Allen Metropolitan Church

10946 South Lowe Street

Chicago, IL 60628

When: Saturday, February 8, 2014

11 am to 6 pm

Who: Get Covered America

Allen Metropolitan Church

Chicago District C.M.E.

Feb. 17

What: Sinai Health System Affordable Care Act Enrollment Event

Where: Holy Cross Hospital, 2701 W 68th St, Chicago

When: February 17, noon – 7:00 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, call 773-884-9350.

Feb. 23

What: Enrollment fair and free health screenings

Where: Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave, Chicago

When: Feb 23, 10am to 3pm

How: Pre-registration is encouraged and individuals can sign up at http://warrenparkevent.eventbrite.com. For more information about this event and how to enroll for health insurance, please contact Lynette Wightman at (312) 372-7070 x227.

March 1

What: Chicago Latino Enrollment Summit

Where: Benito Juarez Community Academy

1450 West Cermak Road

Chicago, IL 60608

When: Saturday, March 1

9 AM – 2 PM

March 8

What: Chicago Family Health Center hosts a Saturday enrollment event

Where: CFHC Pullman, 570 E. 115^th St., Chicago IL

When: March 8, 10 am to 4 pm

How: Patient financial counselors schedule enrollment appointments in advance and take walk-ins during Saturday enrollment events. To make an appointment with a CFHC patient financial counselor call 773-978-9224.

March 22

What: Chicago Family Health Center hosts a Saturday enrollment event

Where: CFHC South Chicago, 9119 S. Exchange Ave., Chicago

When: March 22, 10 am to 4 pm

March 23

What: The Campaign for Better Health Care is hosting an enrollment event in the Southland for the Affordable Care Act.

Where: Bethel AME, 13900 S Grace Ave, Robbins

When: 12 -4 pm