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Congresswoman Hosts Roundtable To Discuss Implementation Of Affordable Care Act

LAWNDALE (CBSLA.com) — Congresswoman Maxine Waters Monday hosted a roundtable discussion on Calif.'s implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

The discussion ran from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Lawndale Community Center, 14700 Burin Avenue.

"We are holding a roundtable of all of the significant stakeholders. This includes doctors, hospitals, AARP, and community clinics," Waters told KNX1070. "We want to know from them exactly what their role is, how they plan on implementing and how they plan on outreaching."

Congresswoman Hosts Roundtable To Discuss Implementation Of Affordable Care Act

The goal of the ACA is to help the 16 percent uninsured and eligible Americans gain access to quality and affordable healthcare. The six-month open enrollment period begins Oct. 1 and ends March 31, 2014 and coverage begins as early as Jan. 1, 2014.

"We've got a small window here that we've got to get as many people enrolled as possible, and there's a number of different organizations here that are partnering and working in concert to make that happen," said Xavier Morales from Latino Coalition for a Healthy Calif.

The discussion cleared up questions about the Small Business Health Options Program for small businesses.

"A lot of people are concerned. They're like how am I going to retain employees now I'm mandated with extra expense?" said Victor Parker, District Director of Los Angeles Small Business Administration.

Although, under the ACA, any business with less than 50 employees will not be required to buy insurance.

Health care leaders are determined to help the public to stay informed, shop around and compare new prices.

"Doctors can be a useful vehicle to communicate to patients about what their rights are what their opportunities are and how we may make the system all go more smoothly," Rocky Delgadillo from the LA County Medical Association said.

For more information about the Affordable Care Act, visit Covered California and HealthCare.gov.

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