Meeting at La Crosse library Tuesday could provide answers on health insurance

Over 37,000 expected to lose coverage

More than 37,000 customers will be losing their health insurance on the federal marketplace because of several insurers leaving the exchange.

At 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Office of the Commissioner of Health will hold a town hall at the La Crosse Public Library, where people can get answers.

Elizabeth Hizmi with the office wants to at least get one thing across to those losing federal health insurance.

“Between November and December, the federal dept. of health and human services will auto re-enroll these customers into a new plan, with a new insurer, and without the consumers input,” she said. “So, we just want consumers to know that they don’t have to accept this plan and there is an option to opt out.”

Hizmi believes the town hall on Tuesday could be beneficial.

“That way, individuals who attend, have the opportunity to ask questions,” she said. “It’s more informal that way.

Hizmi says they hear people’s complaints and concerns almost everyday.

“We’ve identified this time as a time where people are a little bit more confused and maybe even frustrated,” she said.