Actor Laz Alonso was spotted in the Windy City visiting iconic Chicago landmarks on Valentine’s Day eve in an effort to encourage Illinoisans to get health care coverage. In order to get coverage beginning March 1, enrollment must be completed by Feb. 15. Love yourself first and enroll today.
“The Affordable Care Act provides an historic opportunity to close the gap of the uninsured and reduce health disparities that disproportionately affect minority communities,” said Jennifer Koehler, executive director for Get Covered Illinois.
As of Dec. 28, 2013, more than 61,111 Illinois residents have signed up for coverage through the Marketplace. Individuals, families and small business owners have until March 31 to enroll in a health plan before receiving a fine.
Nearly one third of blacks in Illinois are uninsured. Blacks are impacted by greater health disparities compared to other races and ethnicities for a number of reasons, including lack of access to affordable health care. Blacks are twice as likely as whites to be diagnosed with diabetes, and are disproportionately impacted by cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, insurance coverage is strongly related to better health outcomes.
Check out the Chicago hot spots that Laz visited in Chicago on Thursday by clicking the photo gallery.
