Covered California information sessions expected to boost attendance at 12th annual Open Air Health Fair October 12-13

For thousands of people in San Jose who don’t have health insurance, the Health Trust’s annual Open Air Health Fair has been their only opportunity to get an annual check-up. Each year, they converge on the Berryessa Flea Market, 1590 Berryessa Rd., San Jose, to get flu shots and screening for high blood pressure, diabetes and other medical conditions.

SAN JOSE, Calif., October 7, 2013 –

For thousands of people in San Jose who don’t have health insurance, the Health Trust’s annual Open Air Health Fair has been their only opportunity to get an annual check-up. Each year, they converge on the Berryessa Flea Market, 1590 Berryessa Rd., San Jose, to get flu shots and screening for high blood pressure, diabetes and other medical conditions.

With the launching of Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange, the 12th annual Open Air Health Fair, Saturday and Sunday, October 12 and 13, will offer another service for families: The Health Trust will be providing information sessions and eligibility counseling to help individuals and families determine whether they are eligible for the exchange or for expanded MediCal benefits.

“For so many of the families, the Open Air Health Fair is the closest they get to an annual physical exam because they don’t have insurance,” said Frederick J. Ferrer, CEO of The Health Trust. “But this year we hope to have good news for a lot of them: that because of the Affordable Care Act, they qualify for MediCal or for subsidized health insurance through the exchange.”

The Health Trust has been enrolling children in health insurance for several years. With the opening of Covered California, that service will expand to include adults.

The Open Air Health Fair, open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, is part of Bi-National Health Month. It is a project of The Health Trust hosted by the San Jose Flea Market, with support from Kaiser Permanente. Services include health screenings with medical referral, vision screenings and flu shots. In addition, more than 30 local health and wellness organizations will be there offering information and services. Popular attractions include cooking and gardening demonstrations, Zumba classes and games and activities for children.

The Open Air Health Fair also marks the debut of The Health Trust Health Market, which will be open at the flea market on weekends to offer health and wellness information, education and referrals.

For more information contact Patty Fisher at 408.513.8705 or pattyf@healthtrust.org.

About The Health Trust

The Health Trust is a nonprofit foundation located in Santa Clara County, California, that provides grants, services and advocacy to support its vision of Silicon Valley as the healthiest region in America for everyone. For more information, visit www.healthtrust.org.

 

For information contact:
Patty Fisher, The Health Trust
408.513.8705
pattyf@healthtrust.org

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