Penn College Hosting ACA Session as Sign-Up Deadline Nears

Published 03.20.2014

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In order to inform students and the general public about their health care options under the Affordable Care Act, Counseling Services at Pennsylvania College of Technology is sponsoring a program titled “Demystifying the Health Insurance Marketplace and Healthcare Reform” at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 26.

The presentation, free and open to the public, coincides with the March 31 insurance enrollment deadline and will be held in Penn’s Inn on the second floor of the Bush Campus Center.



Steven Aussenberg, a Certified Marketplace Application Counselor in his third year of medical school at The Commonwealth Medical College, will provide a brief overview of health care reform and information about the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Although some college students are fortunate enough to be included under their parents’ health policies, many lack insurance coverage.

“I often encounter students who are concerned about taking medication for depression or anxiety because they do not have health insurance to cover the costs,” said Jacklyn R. Leitzel, a Penn College counselor and assistant professor. “College students may not know that they, like many others, may be eligible for subsidies to help them afford health insurance. In addition, they may not know how to sign up for health care under the new law.”

It is estimated that only about 25 percent of college-aged individuals who are eligible for health insurance under the ACA have signed up. They have until March 31 to enroll for the current year’s coverage; the sign-up period for 2015 begins in November.

Following the presentation – which is designed for those without health insurance and those with basic curiosity about the ACA – Aussenberg and several of his classmates and fellow application counselors will be available to assist individuals interested in exploring health insurance options.

For information about Penn College, which is observing its Centennial throughout 2014, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.