Having health insurance is one of the most important ways to keep yourself and your family healthy and safe. People who have health insurance are more likely to visit their doctors before health problems become health emergencies.

Everyone should have health insurance.

Getting the coverage you need

Most people get health insurance through their employer, but not everyone has that option for many reasons. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act and Pennsylvania’s Medicaid expansion, it’s easier than ever for the rest of us to get the coverage we need to see the doctor before it’s too late.

Usually, you can’t sign up for, or change, your insurance coverage unless you have a qualifying life event, like having a new baby or getting married. Once a year, though, during the ACA Open Enrollment period, it’s possible to get new insurance or change your existing plan.

The 2018 Open Enrollment period runs from November 1 through December 15, 2017.

ACA health insurance sign-ups are done at healthcare.gov.

How the City can help

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health and Free Library of Philadelphia have partnered to try to make signing up for health insurance during 2018 Open Enrollment easier.

The Free Library is holding a series of fairs to answer your questions, get you signed up, and learn more about health conditions.

Each of the Health Department’s Health Centers has staff on-hand to help walk you through the process of getting or changing insurance. Hours and contact information are below:

Health Center 2
1700 South Broad Street
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Walk-in or set an appointment with:
Akhil Golla at 215-685-1842 or akhil.golla@phila.gov

Health Center 3
555 South 43rd Street
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Walk-in or set an appointment with:
David DeFazio at 215-685-7533 or david.defazio@phila.gov

Health Center 4
4400 Haverford Avenue
Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Set an appointment with:
Hannah Kamara at 215-730-4225 or hkamara@healthfederation.org

Health Center 5
1900 North 20th Street
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Set an appointment with:
Emily Ermer at 267-736-9102 or eermer@healthfederation.org

Health Center 6
301 West Girard Avenue
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Walk-in or set an appointment with:
Farid Ghamsari at 215-685-3853 or farid.ghamsari@phila.gov

Health Center 9
131 East Chelten Avenue
Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Set an appointment with:
Terrell Johnson at 215-730-4223 or terrelljohnson@healthfederation.org

Health Center 10
2230 Cottman Avenue
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Walk-in or set an appointment with:
Jia Chen at 215-939-6016 or jia.chen@phila.gov

Strawberry Mansion Health Center
2840 Dauphin Street
Wednesday 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Set an appointment with:
Terrell Johnson at 215-730-4223 or terrelljohnson@healthfederation.org


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