GARCIA ON THE GO
Making every day count
Friday, November 14, 2014

HARRIS HEALTH LOOKS TO MAKE HEALTHCARE ENROLLMENT EASY & CONVENIENT

Harris Health System will open health plan enrollment assistance centers in five Harris County locations. Enrollment in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace starts November 15 and ends February 15, 2015. Enrollment in Medicare has already begun and ends December 7. Patients and the public can receive one-on-one help to see if they qualify for the insurance plans and to sign up online or by telephone at any Harris Health eligibility center location. Additionally, two of the five centers will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on select Saturdays throughout the enrollment period. For any questions or to make an appointment at a Harris Health marketplace enrollment site, call 713-566-6509 or email enrolltoday@harrishealth.org. To enroll directly, visit www.healthcare.gov or call 800-318-2596, available 24/7 through the enrollment period.

COMMUNITY TOWN HALL MEETINGS & LATINO POLICY SUMMIT

Over the last three months, I have held a series of community town hall meetings throughout the district to inform and update my constituents about state government and resources. These meetings have also served as great avenues for feedback from the community about policies that are important to you.  I will be hosting a Regional Latino Summit on November 15th from 9:00am-2:00pm at HCC Southeast Campus.  I encourage you to attend and give us feedback on policy recommendations that the Senate Hispanic Caucus has developed with different grassroots organizations over the past year.  To attend, please RSVP to TxSenateHispanicCaucus@gmail.com or (713)923-7575.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, November 15, Latino Policy Summit, 9:00AM - 2:00PM, HCC-Southeast, 6815 Rustic, Houston, 77087. Come join me and Senator Jose Rodriguez as we discuss issues facing the Latino communities in Houston and the upcoming Legislative Session with other elected officials and community leaders.

Thursday, November 27, Thanksgiving

Healthcare for All
Below is a list of some upcoming enrollment events where you will receive hands on assistance in finding the best health care plan for you and your family. Don't forget to bring copies of your important documents to help speed the process along.

Saturday, November 15, NFPRHA and the City of Houston, 8:00am - 4:00pm, Northside Health Center, 8504 Schuller Rd, Houston, TX 77093. Contact: Randall Ellis, (832) 857-9036 or Rellis@getcoveredfp.org for more information.

Saturday, November 15, Families USA Latino Enrollment Summit, 8:00am - 5:00pm, Bellaire Medical Center, 6550 Mapleridge St, Suite 214, 77081. Contact: jplaza@enrollamerica.org for more information.

Saturday, November 15, Vecino Healthcare Enrollment Event - Aldine, 10:00am - 2:00pm, Aldine Branch Library, 11331 Airline Dr. Houston, Texas 77037. Contact: 713-828-3149 for more information.

Tuesday, November 18, 5:00pm - 8:00pm & Wednesday, November 19, 10:00am - 1:00pm, Pasadena Enrollment Events, Cleveland-Ripley Neighborhood Center Inc., 720 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77504. Contact: 832-449-2534 for more information.

Saturday, November 22, East Mount Houston Eligibility Center Enrollment Fair, 8:00am - 4:00pm, 11737B Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. Contact: 713-218-8202 for more information.

SENATE COMMITTEE HEARINGS

This last quarter has been full of committee meetings. In October alone, I attended three committee meetings. I attended the Senate Committee on Jurisprudence where we discussed decriminalizing juvenile truancy offenses. I also attended the Senate Finance hearing where we received an update on different revenue sources and budget possibilities for the upcoming legislative session. Finally, I attended the Intergovernmental Relations Committee where we received suggestions on how to improve the structure of county governments and increase their efficiency and effectiveness.

A MESSAGE FROM SYLVIA

November has reached us and before we know it, Thanksgiving will be here. And in the spirit of thanks, I'm thankful to have the privilege and honor of serving as your state senator. As we close out the last quarter of this calendar year, I want everyone to reflect on the tremendous work we have accomplished so far. Enjoy this festive time of year and celebrate family, friendships, and personal accomplishments.

Putting People First,

Sylvia