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CHICAGO — In coordination with Affordable Care Act (ACA) Open Enrollment for 2020, which runs Nov. 1–Dec. 15, 2019, in states that use the Federal Marketplace Platform, the Public Library Association (PLA) has released a new online tutorial to help consumers sign up for health insurance. The course, , covers the basics of securing coverage through , the health insurance exchange website operated by the U.S. federal government. This 18-minute online tutorial explores the processes of determining eligibility, preparing to enroll, creating an account, and finding local help to successfully enroll in an ACA health insurance plan. It was created as part of PLA's initiative, a national partnership to assist uninsured consumers with ACA enrollment made possible by funding from the and .

can be accessed via , PLA's free online digital literacy training curriculum designed to help people increase their digital skills. All 24 online courses on are video-based with narration and captions, and written in plain language. The lessons were designed to be taken independently, anywhere and anytime, by learners, but can also be used by libraries and other community groups for one-on-one instruction and classroom teaching.

“People use the public library as a trusted access point to find, understand, and act on health information, including enrolling in health insurance. But a healthy community can’t be built if we’re not meeting people where they are," explains Leighann Wood, PLA project manager. "That’s why we created this latest course specifically for DigitalLearn.org, to help foster engagement with technology and to teach people the digital skills they need to take charge of their health.”

DigitalLearn.org is just one tool PLA offers to help its members make their libraries digital literacy learning centers; the Association also offers continuing education on digital literacy training and a variety of professional tools for public librarians. For more information, please .

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About the Public Library Association

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 10,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext.5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

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