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Chicago Community Land Trust 
Newsletter
MARCH
2014
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All about the Affordable Care Act!
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2014 Board of Directors

Bruce Gottschall,
President 
 
Patricia Abrams,  
Vice-President 
 
Ofelia Navarro, 
Secretary 
 
Lawrence Grisham,
Ex-officio Director
 
Calvin Holmes,
Treasurer
 
Joy Aruguete 
Joel Bookman 
Pamela Gecan
Timothy Hughes 
Edward H. Jacob
Brenda Palms-Barber 
Rosanna Marquez 
Robert McGhee 
Guacolda Reyes
William W. Towns  
Marva Williams 
 Jeffrey Wright
 
Staff

Kara Breems, 
Executive Director 
 
Teresa Lambarry, 
Outreach Director


Dear CCLT Homeowner, Office pic

  

Hello everybody!  Hope you are all doing well.

  

With the deadline of March 31, 2014 looming to register for insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), we decided to go to our colleagues at the City's Department of

Public Health for some more information!  

 

Sheri Cohen, Senior Health Policy Analyst with the Department of Public Health, prepared an article just for CCLT Homeowners and friends who are interested in knowing more about what the Affordable Care Act means for us, what the deadlines are, and what we need to do to get covered (and, for those of us without health insurance, avoid penalties!)

 

We also asked each of you to share your questions, comments, and experiences with the ACA, and we have shared those questions and experiences here, too. 
 
Read on to get a better perspective of the ACA.
 
Happy St. Patrick's Day!

  

Teresa Lambarry
CCLT Outreach Director
Featured Article:  
the Affordable Care Act 

 

 

by Sheri Cohen, MPH

Senior Health Policy Analyst

City of Chicago 
Department of Public Health
 

  

You still can enroll in a health insurance plan...but there is no time to waste!

 

March 31st is the final day to purchase a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace).  You can enroll online at www.getcoveredillinois.gov or go to that website, put in your zip code, and find a patient navigator to take you through the enrollment process. 

 

What's New Under the Act 

Making health insurance coverage more affordable and accessible are key goals of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was signed into law on March 23, 2010.  Because of the ACA, people can now purchase health insurance plans without worrying about being rejected because of pre-existing conditions.  Young adults under age 26 can continue on their parents' coverage.  And many preventive health services are now covered at no-cost to the patient (e.g., mammograms, annual preventive check-ups, screening colonoscopies, immunizations, and chronic disease screenings) as part of the Essential Health Benefits of new health plans, which are:

  • Ambulatory patient services
  • Emergency services
  • Hospitalization
  • Maternity and newborn care
  • Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment
  • Prescription drugs
  • Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
  • Laboratory services
  • Preventive and wellness services, and chronic disease management
  • Pediatric services

Why We need the ACA

In the U.S. over 48 million people are uninsured; in Chicago, there are over 506,000.  Most of the uninsured work full time, but either cannot afford employer-based insurance or their employer does not offer this benefit.   Many of these people have never had health insurance before. 

 

The ACA established programs and expanded services to help people get insurance.  The health insurance plan for each individual depends on many factors, including: income, family size, age, and residency status.  It can be confusing, but you do not have to figure this all out on your own.  The ACA funded many community organizations to do just this-work with people in their own community to help them identify the best health care coverage options for their unique situation.  To find a patient navigator in your area, go to click on the get help now on the www.getcoveredillinois.gov website.  Please note that if you do not enroll in health insurance, you are subject to a fine of either $95 or 1 percent of your income (whichever is higher). 

 

Medicaid

Adults (aged 19-64) with incomes up to 138% of poverty ($15,415) are now eligible for Medicaid.  Before the ACA, Medicaid covered only certain groups of low-income people (i.e., pregnant women, young children, and disabled).  Now all U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents in the country for over five years can apply.  Individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid expansion are still eligible for Medicaid during pregnancy. 

 

Health Insurance Marketplace

Residents of Cook County have a choice of up to 65 health care plans offered on the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace.  Plans are divided into different tiers (bronze, silver, gold, and platinum, respectively) depending on their premium costs, deductibles, co-pays, and network coverage.  When choosing a plan, you need to consider how often you expect to seek health care.  For example, many people who are young and healthy enroll in bronze plans with lower monthly costs, but have higher deductibles (the amount the patient pays before the health insurance plan contributes).  People who are managing chronic diseases often chose plans with higher monthly costs that pay larger percentages of service costs and medications.  A patient navigator trained to help people through this process is the best person to help when making these decisions.

 

To help people afford the cost of health insurance, the ACA provides tax subsidies for individuals with incomes between 139% and 400% of poverty.  Cost-sharing discounts (co-pays, out of pocket expenses, etc.) may also be available for those who earn up to 250% of poverty. 

 

Employer-based Health Insurance

Over 50 percent of Americans are covered by employer-based health insurance. If these plans cover the essential health benefits and fit the requirements of affordability (less than 9.5% of income) and value (covers at least 60% of total medical costs), you do not need to do anything.  If your employer-based plan does not fit these requirements, you can purchase health coverage on the Marketplace and be eligible for tax subsidies.  Even if your employer-based insurance fits the requirements, you can still purchase a plan on the Marketplace, but would not be eligible for subsidies.  Your employer should be able to inform you of the status of your plan.  

 

Prevention and Public Health

In addition to improving access to health insurance, the Affordable Care Act creates more efforts to improve population health.  Non-profit hospitals now are required to conduct community assessments and implement strategies to make their community healthier.  The Prevention and Public Health Fund provides grants for prevention and public health efforts, including obesity and tobacco use prevention, which impacts the whole community.  Chicago Public Schools received one of these grants to strengthen its physical education curriculum and healthy foods availability throughout the district.

 

Enroll Chicago!

The City of Chicago Enroll Chicago! initiative is leveraging City departments' work with Chicago residents to inform them about new health insurance options and facilitate enrollment.  The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) produced report on the Chicago's uninsured to help enrollment efforts, and is connecting City departments to patient navigators and promoting innovative collaborations.   Some of these efforts included:  Chicago Public Library trained over 100 librarians on the ACA to help promote enrollment and answer questions; the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events held an Artist Town Hall and Enrollment Fair to educate and enroll artist who have higher rates of uninsurance than the general population; and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is hosting patient navigators in its taxicab licensing offices to enroll cab drivers, the majority of whom do not have health care coverage.  Patient navigators are also working with clients in the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services offices and CDPH's clinics. 

 

For the most up to date information on the Affordable Care Act and to get health coverage, go the State of Illinois' Get Covered Illinois webpage at www.getcoveredillinois.gov or call 866-311-1119.  Information is also available in Spanish at http://getcoveredillinois.gov/es/.

 

CCLT Homeowner Q&As 
on the 
Affordable Care Act
Q.  I am insured through the company I work for.  However, currently I am paying over $120.00 every moth plus I have to pay a $4,000.00 deductible every year.  Would it be cheaper for me to switch to one of the plans on the ACA Marketplace?

A.  To find out the cost of plans on the Marketplace, you can go to https://www.healthcare.gov/, click on the "Learn" tab on the top of the page and click "See Plans Before I Apply."  The cost of plans depends on many components, including income, deductible, network of providers, co-pays, etc.  Subsidies are available to people between 130-400% of the poverty (approximately $15,521-$46,680), however if your employer's plan meets the requirements of the ACA (covering the benefits required, affordability, etc.), you may not be able to get subsidies.  You can also call the help line in Illinois at (866) 311-1119:  Open 8am - 8pm or go to the Illinois website
http://getcoveredillinois.gov/ to get more information.
 
Q.  Does this program work only for people who don't have insurance through employment?
 
A.  All American citizens and legal permanent residents can purchase insurance trough the Marketplace.  However, subsidies are only available for people with incomes between 130-400% of poverty and those who don't have affordable options through their employer.
 
Q.  My sister just lost her job. Can she apply for this program?  
 
A.  If someone does not have a job/income, they can purchase insurance through the Marketplace. However, they may also be eligible for Medicaid expansion.  The best way to determine which program they are eligible for would be to go to http://getcoveredillinois.gov/ and complete the questions.  That website will transfer them to the Medicaid website to complete an application.  And while there are only a few more weeks to sign up for Marketplace plan, enrollment in Medicaid is ongoing. 
 
However, if she is getting any income through unemployment, she may still only qualify for the Marketplace and should determine this as soon as possible.
 
Another tip:  for an easier way to look at Marketplace plans available please use:
https://www.healthplanratings.org/hie/
CCLT Homeowner Tip of the Month

Remember that, as a CCLT Homeowner (or ANY smart homeowner!), you are also required to maintain a homeowner's insurance policy for the full replacement value of your home. 

 

The CCLT requires that you provide proof of insurance each year.

 

Get Involved in Your Community
World Sport Chicago's mission is to promote the development of sustainable sports programming that improves the quality of life for under-served youth in Chicago and at-risk communities. World Sport Chicago does this by:
  • Teaching life-enhancing values and character development through sport
  • Leveraging on-going sport programs and events to engage families and strengthen communities
  • Directing resources and technical expertise to communities of need for high-quality and sustainable programming
  • Sharing practices and innovations to develop thought leadership on the positive impact of sport
  • Advocating sport-for-all, regardless of physical and visual abilities
There are several opportunities to volunteer for events that they hold to raise money for this wonderful cause. Please check it out with this link.

Here is another way of getting involved in your Community.  On Saturday, April 26, 2014 join a community organization that is part of the CLEAN & GREEN VOLUNTEER CLEAN-UP.  Click here to get more information about how to volunteer.
 
Coming in April: 
The Workshop You Have Been Waiting for...
Will and Estate Planning
Mark Your Calendars: We have tentatively scheduled the Will and Estate Planning Workshop for Wednesday, April 9, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at City Hall. 

As always, a light dinner will be served.

Monthly Calendar of Events
The temperature is finally starting to feel a little more springlike! To help celebrate and get out and about, here are some events you can check out.

11th Annual Creative Chicago Expo - Moving Forward

Chicago Cultural Center  

78 E. Washington St., Enter on Randolph St.

Friday, March 14, 2014  

Saturday, March 15, 2014  

10am-4pm

For more information on guest speakers and workshops please click on this link.

FREE; No RSVP required.

 

Orchid Show

March 1 - 16, 2014 (begins Feb. 15)

See 12,000 blooming orchids on display at the  Orchid Show, which includes weekend classes and Tuesday morning music at Chicago Botanic Garden. Cost.

Local food festival

March 13 - 15, 2014

The Good Food Festival features locally grown food for sale plus gardening and cooking workshops and a Localicious dinner at UIC Forum. Cost.

Small press festival

March 14 - 15, 2014

A zine is a cheap, self-published, underground publication.  Chicago Zine Fest offers panel discussions Friday, and exhibitions by 200 writers, artists, and publishers Saturday at Columbia College. Free.  

 

St. Patrick's parade (downtown)

March 15, 2014

The Chicago River flows green at 10 a.m. near Michigan Ave. & Wacker Dr. The St. Patrick's Day Parade begins at noon, rain or shine, at Balbo Ave. and goes north on Columbus Dr. to Monroe St. Free. 

 

St. Patrick's run/walk

in Lincoln Park begins near N. Cannon Drive & W. Fullerton. It ends with Irish music, entertainment, and refreshments.  Cost

 

St. Patrick's Festival

March 15, 2014

After the big parade, enjoy Irish music, dance, food, activities, and gift shopping at  St. Patrick's Festival
at the Irish American Heritage Center.
Cost.

Flower and garden show

March 15 - 23, 2014

Chicago Flower & Garden Show features 20 gardens, 100 vendors, cooking demonstrations, seminars, and a kids' activity garden at Navy Pier. Cost. 

 

Festival of writers

March 16 - 21, 2014

FreeStory Week offers readings, conversations with authors, panels, performances, and book signings. 
Free. 

 

Flower show

March 23 - April 6, 2014

Macy's Flower Show features 2 million flowers and exotic topiaries plus scheduled events at Macy's on State Street. Free. 

 

Science-fiction convention

March 29, 2014

Celebrate your inner geek at Chi-Fi with guests, musicians, panels, coplay, games, vendors, and parties at the Palmer House hotel.  
Cost.

Greek parade

March 30, 2014 (2:30 p.m.)

The annual Greek Independence Day Parade begins at N Halsted St. & Randolph. Free.

National Museum of Mexican Art  
1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608
Family Sundays: Patssi Valdez Collage Painting
Sunday March 30, noon-2 pm
All ages
Families will work together to create a 2D room inspired by Patssi Valdez. REcreate your favorite room with an important memory or make an imaginary room using many different materials to create a mixed media painting. For more information or to reserve a space, please call 312.433.3908. 
CCLT 
Homeowner 
Corner

Here is what Claudia Cordero -  who is also the winner of this month's $25 Home Depot gift card! - had to say about her experience applying for insurance through the Affordable Care Act:

***
I had a positive experience with the ACA application for my kids. I submitted an application on October 15, and  was approved in January 2014! I didn't qualify for the medicaid, but I signed up for the All Kids plan, for which I pay $80/month. I think the price I pay per month for all three kids is pretty reasonable. 

The application process was pretty friendly and guided you through all the steps needed. Before I was in a local clinic and payments were on a slideing scale: there is not much of a difference in terms of payments, but I feel more secure that they have medical insurance whenever they need it.  
*****

Next Month's Homeowner Corner: 
For our April issue we are looking for stories/tips about Will and Estate Planning: 
  • Do you have a Will or a Living Trust?
  • If so, how did you prepare it?
Email Teresa with your answers by April 7 for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Home Depot. 
CCLT Spotlight:    
CCLT 
Board Member  

Patricia Abrams
 

Pat Abrams is the Executive Director of The Renaissance Collaborative, Inc.  She is a social activist both in her community and in the Episcopal Church.  She is also a Board member of Chicago Rehab Network and former Board Chair of Supportive Housing Association of Illinois.  She has been Vice President of the CCLT since the Land Trust began in 2006.

 

Q. How long have you been involved with the CCLT?   

A: I have been involved with CCLT since before its inception. While working at the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) in the 1980's, we approached the City about alternative homeownership options that were aimed at keeping affordable housing a part of the long term landscape of the City. During that time CNT sponsored the Mutual Housing Association and tried to work with and start several cooperative housing developments.  These were a little before their time.  

 

We also worked with groups in Atlanta, GA where land trusts were their primary tool for affordable home ownership. 

 

Q.  What motivates you to continue to work with the CCLT?  

A. The real need to provide low-moderate income residents of the City with options that enables them to live in safe and affordable communities that they would not otherwise have access to. 

 

Q. Any recommendations for our CCLT homeowners?  

A. My recommendations for CCLT homeowners is simple: this is an opportunity afforded to you as a beginning homeowner. The real goal is to have your home be affordable for the next buyer as well.

 

Community and Ward Information
CCLT homeowners live in the 2nd, 3rd, 26th, 28th, 35th, 46th, 47th, and 49th Wards.  Click the links below for information regarding your Alderman, your Ward, and your Community, including links to City events in your Ward!  If you are in a different Ward or do not know what Ward you are in, please give me a call or shoot me an email and I will let you know.
Ward 2   -   Ward 3  -   Ward 26   -   Ward 28   
 
Ward 35  -  Ward 46   -  Ward 47  -   Ward 49 
Event Calendar 
Partners In Community Building (PICB)
Pre Purchase Homebuyer Workshop
Saturday, March 15, 2014
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
US Bank - 815 W. 63rd St.
Chicago, IL 60621 - FREE PARKING
For more information and to RSVP please click here.

Partners In Community Building (PICB)

Pre Purchase Homebuyer Workshop
Saturday, March 22, 2014
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Chase - 6650 S. Stony Island (lower level)
Chicago, IL 60649
For more information and to RSVP please click here.

Partners In Community Building (PICB)
Making Credit Work/Budgeting for Homeownership
Monday, March 17, 2014
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
IIT Tower, 6th Floor (Bronzeville)
10 W. 35th Street
Chicago, IL 60616
For more information and to  RSVP click here.
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Visit the CCLT's google calendar for the latest information on Post Purchase CCLT homeowner classes and workshops sponsored by us and our partners, all of which are offered at no cost.
CCLT Homes for Sale

 
1756 N. Kedzie, Unit F

Let your family and friends know!
CCLT RESALE UNIT LARGE TOWNHOME $181,000
4 bedroom - 2.1 baths, located in Logan Square! Open floor plan with hardwood floors, washer and dryer in main level, maple kitchen cabinets, 9' ceilings, space on 2nd level for a sitting/office room, large unfinished basement.
  

Your total household income

must be equal or less than 80% AMI

1 person                                        $41,250

2 persons                                      $47,150

3 persons                                      $53,050

4 persons                                      $58,900

5 persons                                      $63,650

6 persons                                      $68,350

7 persons                                      $73,050

8 persons                                      $77,050

  
Must meet income requirements and have a bank pre-approval in order to view.  Please call Nadia Stewart at 773. 909.6384 to make an appointment.
And remember...
You can visit us online for information on the CCLT.