ACA and the 20% who do not have an internet connection?

[Little_Wing]

I'm so pumped about the ACA swinging into high gear next Tuesday (finally) but I'm really concerned about our citizens who do not have access to the internet. The estimates I see online cite a 20% figure--but there is so much emphasis on "just going online" that doesn't take these folks into consideration. Our country has a lousy track record in getting its citizens "connected" compared to the rest of world. Yeah, free enterprise, capitalism, etc. etc. makes it impossible or (let's be honest) too expensive for everyone to plug in.

I've done a cursory review of the FAQs on the government website without finding an answer to this (and lucky me, I have the internet to look!) but I'm not finding anything about it.

Anyone know how someone in this apparently ignored group can overcome this problem? Shouldn't there be some commercials run on the radio/TV to inform them?

Maybe I'm overthinking this, but seriously, most of us take the internet for granted. These folks need ACA too. Have I missed something obvious?

[SoCalNative]

1. 'Have I missed something obvious?"

that people who don't have internet at home can go to their local public library to use it?

[PoliticAverse]

2. They can use the telephone to call a 'Navigator' to help them.

Navigators are part of the PPACA.

[kestrel91316]

3. Except in the states where navigators are banned or not funded. Red states.

Oh, well. Elections have consequences.

[Zorra]

8. To my knowledge, only Florida has attempted to ban Navigator Agencies.

And some Florida counties are going to use navigators despite what the state says.

[kestrel91316]

12. Good.

[snooper2]

4. you mean a TUI

[HereSince1628]

5. I'm sorta concerned about folks whose states refuse the medicaid expansion

I suspect many of the folks who will need that option are going to have quite limited internet access.

[Puzzledtraveller]

7. Sadly many will be left uninsured

in those states. The message will be that the law failed them despite the facts.

[Puzzledtraveller]

6. My clients are beginning to ask about how to sign up.

I'm a medicaid caseworker in KY. We have postings and fliers telling them to call a number or visit the Kynect.ky.gov website. We are not enrolling in the offices until December 16th. Many of my clients are indigent and lack computer skills, phones.

[Zorra]

9. Maybe this can help ~

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023648218

[Puzzledtraveller]

10. That looks better than what we have up.

Our Kynect website is really not that good. Hopefully it will improve but I will add the links to the info I hand out thanks.

[Cerridwen]

11. Are you able to keep printed forms handy for them?

I don't know your caseload or how you day goes so this may not be feasible. Can you keep printed forms and stamped envelopes available? Do they have an address to mail info to? Can you take info and forms to them during visits?

Maybe put forms in public librarys and set up phone or computer kiosks?

As I said, I'm not sure if you make field visits or if you work strictly in the office so this could just be so much twaddle I'm posting. As many will insist, it wouldn't be the first time.

Sorry if you've already thought of this.