The public is invited to attend an informational session on “Navigating the Affordable Care Act in New York” Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Tompkins Cortland Community College in the Forum, a room located just inside the front doors of the main building.

The event will include an overview of options on the state’s Health Plan Marketplace, a panel of experts and an open question-and-answer period. Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) is live-streaming the session to county offices across New York state. A list of participating CCE offices will available after Dec. 2 on the CCE website.

“Cornell Cooperative Extension is lending its resources to educate New York residents about health plan issues and options,” said Stephen Philip Johnson, vice president for government relations. “This event is what Cornell’s land-grant mission is all about.”

Panelists include:

• Helene Dillard, director of CCE, moderator;
• Dennis Romero of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and
• Jean McPheeters, president of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce and a trained health access navigator.

New York state residents obtain Affordable Care Act coverage by visiting https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov. They can choose from 30 plans at four coverage levels – platinum, gold, silver and bronze. Depending on income, individuals may apply tax credits to the premium payments.

The information session is led by the New York State Department of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, along with the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, with support from Cornell, TC3 and CCE.