Any resident of the Methow Valley who does not have health insurance, or who is under-insured, can get help sorting out their options under the new federal Affordable Health Care Act by making an appointment at Room One in Twisp.

Two staff members at the social services center, Erin Flahive and Lori Valentine, are trained as “in-person assisters” to help people use and sign up for insurance through the state’s new health insurance plan web site. The two women are booking appointments for Thursdays and Fridays. Call 997-2050 to book a time.

“People who aren’t so comfortable getting on a computer or who don’t have an email address are especially welcome,” Flahive told those gathered for Thursday’s (Oct. 10) Winthrop Chamber of Commerce meeting.

She said beginning October 1, when the signup period opened, there were “kinks on the website,” which was overwhelmed. The valley’s Internet service also went dead for a time thanks to an accident that cut a cable. Despite the hurdles, she said one highlight of the first few days was helping a man in his 50s or 60s get insurance for the first time in his life. She said he left Room One elated with a big smile on his face.

Flahive also said she’s been helping people who were getting the wrong answers when they tried to find out if they were eligible for tax credits. Individuals earning less than $45,960 and a family of three earning less than $78,120 annually are eligible for tax credits, she said by way of example.

There are 32 million Americans without health insurance, she told her audience, adding that the Affordable Health Care Act is designed to slow rising medical costs and cover those with pre-existing conditions, among other things.

The signup period continues for three months. But anyone who does not have health insurance for at least nine months of 2014 will pay a $95 penalty, Flahive said. The penalties will increase each year.

The helpers at Room One are required to give unbiased, objective assistance. They cannot recommend specific plans but can help clients ask questions that guide them toward making a decision that is best for their circumstances.

read our earlier newsbrief and our story about the Affordable Care Act