Bronx Families Receive Must Needed Assistance (and Turkeys) From Council Member Andy King

Bronx Families Receive Must Needed Assistance (and Turkeys) From Council Member Andy King

BRONX – New York City Council Member Andy King offered the residents of the 12th Council District an abundance of constituent services on Tuesday (Nov. 24), ranging from free immigration assistance to free health-care insurance enrollment to free civic legal consultation.

As a bonus, Council Member King was able to spread holiday cheer with an impromptu turkey giveaway at his district office at 940 East Gun Hill Road., Bronx.

Before the turkey giveaway, Council Member King held a news conference with Victor Bell, associate executive director of marketing at MetroPlus, Andrea Walters, Associate Secretary Treasurer at Local 371, and several constituents, to urge New Yorkers who do not have health insurance, or need to renew their plan through the NYS Marketplace, to do so before December 31st.

“The Open Enrollment Period is going on now through January 31, 2016. Existing 2014/2015 plans expire onDecember 31, 2015. In order to avoid any gaps in coverage, it is highly recommended you sign-up by December 15, 2015,” said Council Member King. “If you enroll by December 15, your coverage begins on January 1, 2016. However, if you are even a day late, you would have to wait until February 1, 2016 for your coverage to begin.”

Bell noted that health-care insurance plans are more affordable as they become more competitive. MetroPlus has launched the new Essential Plan, which is the lowest cost health plan now offered through NY State of Health at $0 to $20 monthly premiums and the MetroPlus Gold Plan, which is the health plan for all NYC employees.

Ms. Walters commended MetroPlus for launching the new initiatives and working to bring affordable healthcare insurance to New York City employees.

Following the press conference, Council Member King and Bell surprised many of the constituents with free turkeys for the holidays.

Throughout the day, MetroPlus navigators assisted Bronx residents who wanted to sign-up for health-care insurance, the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) provided free legal consultation, a CUNY Citizenship Now! attorney helped residents with questions on citizenship and the WBLS mobile team provided music and games.

Later in the evening, the Bronx Youth Empowerment Program partnered with the Office of Council Member Andy King to provide free turkeys to the families of students attending the three renewal schools on the Richard R. Green MS 113 Campus, Bronx.

“It’s a way to kick off the holiday season and bring fun to families and friends,” said Council Member King.