In an effort to promote Obamacare, Pima County is offering expert guidance to small business owners about how they will be affected by the healthcare law at a free panel discussion on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at the DoubleTree Hotel – Reid Park, 445 S. Alvernon Way.
Under the Affordable Care Act, small businesses, if they can afford it, will be able to buy health insurance for their employees through a government health insurance exchange or marketplace beginning Oct. 1.
The Aug. 28 event starts with a complimentary breakfast at 7:30 a.m. followed by a panel discussion from 8 to 11 a.m.
The panel, hosted by the Arizona Daily Star’s David Fitzsimmons, includes Pima County Public Health Director Dr. Francisco Garcia; Peter Beahan, a CPA with BeachFleischman PC; Attorney Joel Wakefield; Jay Heydt with Crest Insurance Group; and Kathy Oestreich, CEO of Meritus Health Partners, the only nonprofit cooperative that will be selling insurance through the state exchange.
The event is presented by the Pima County Workforce Investment Board and hosted by Meritus. RSVP’s are due by Monday, Aug. 26, to marketing@meritushealthpartners.com.
The Pima County Workforce Investment Board is authorized by the U.S. Department of Labor and appointed by the Pima County Board of Supervisors to provide recommendations on local workforce policy and oversight of the Pima County One-Stop Career Center. One-Stop connects eligible job-ready youth, adult and dislocated workers with employers in local growth, high-demand industry occupations. The Workforce Investment Board includes representatives of local businesses, nonprofits and educational institutions.