Some interesting news will be announced at the American Library Association (ALA) conference in Chicago: the ALA will be coordinating an effort to have libraries nationwide assist people who will be signing up for insurance beginning October 1st under the Affordable Care Act (ACA, or often referred to as “Obamacare”).
Since libraries provide online access to their patrons, efforts to assist those using the web to access insurance marketplace information via the ACA portals will be a natural fit, even without promotion or training. The ALA is encouraging libraries to use their resources, including space, computers, staff, etc. to help people navigate the choices in the new elements of the ACA. This will be especially important in those states which have chosen not to devote their resources towards implementation… libraries may be the best way for people to learn about their options.
