Goodwill to offer low-cost health insurance plans

LITTLE ROCK — Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, a nonprofit organization focused on providing people with career-assistance services, will offer Arkansans who qualify the opportunity to enroll in free or low-cost health insurance plans at select Goodwill retail stores.

The collaboration with Arkansas Blue Cross will begin Monday with Blue Cross and Blue Shield staff at 12 Goodwill locations on specific days of the week. People van visit those Goodwill stores to talk to an expert to learn about the new health care law and health plans now available to Arkansans who meet the income requirements.

Arkansas Blue Cross certified agents will assist people at the sites to determine whether they qualify for free or lowcost health insurance and to help them enroll.

Currently, more than a quarter-million uninsured adults in Arkansas are eligible for free or low-cost health insurance as a result of the new health care laws.

“Goodwill gives people a hand up, not a hand out, to prepare them for successful employment,” said Brian Itzkowitz, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. “Educating and helping people access free or low-cost health care coverage aligns with our mission of improving the lives of individuals, families and communities.”

In May, the state Legislature expanded the Medicaid program, enabling 250,000 more residents to qualify for Medicaid. Arkansas Blue Cross has been working with nonprofit organizations throughout the state to raise awareness and help low-income Arkansans find free or low-cost coverage.

“We are honored to collaborate with Goodwill Industries of Arkansas in helping provide Arkansans with health insurance coverage,” said Karen Raley, vice president of communications and product development for Arkansas Blue Cross. “Arkansans without insurance face barriers in accessing quality health care and necessary medications. Our certified agents will guide those whom Goodwill serves every day through the eligibility and enrollment process so that they can get coverage to help take better care of themselves, which in turn supports their ability to take good care of their families.”