HealthConnect is Here to Help Dane County Residents Pay for Healthcare
MADISON – At United Way of Dane County, we believe cost should not prevent you from getting the health care you deserve. That’s why we’re helping lower-income individuals and families who make too much to be eligible for BadgerCare purchase insurance in the Marketplace via our HealthConnect Premium Assistance Program.
Made possible by generous donations from UW Health and Quartz, HealthConnect pays the balance of eligible participants’ monthly health insurance premiums not covered by the Premium Tax Credit available through the Marketplace. Plus, HealthConnect offers 20 different local plans to choose from – making sure each participant has control over the location, provider and pharmacy from which they get their care.
Open enrollment began on November 1, 2021 and runs through January 15, 2022. For guaranteed coverage beginning on January 1, 2022, you must sign up by December 15, 2021. If you enroll in your plan within that time and are eligible for HealthConnect assistance, the entire cost of your monthly premium can be covered starting at the beginning of the New Year.
To be eligible, you must live in Dane County, be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident, enroll in a Marketplace health plan and fall within the below income ranges:
- Family of 1: $12,881-$19,320 per year
- Family of 2: $17,421-$26,130 per year
- Family of 3: $21,961-$32,940 per year
- Family of 4: $26,501-$39,750 per year
- Families of 5+: see webpage for more information
Join us in helping spread the word about this crucial program. To learn more or to direct people to apply, visit https://www.unitedwaydanecounty.org/healthconnect/. Further questions can be directed to our 211 help line.
Diana Shinall Named Lussier CEC Interim Director
MADISON—The Lussier Community Education Center (LCEC) is pleased to announce that Madison nonprofit executive Diana Shinall will step in as the interim executive director while the organization searches for a permanent person to fill the post.
Paul Terranova recently left the LCEC after 21 years as the organization’s executive director.
“We are thrilled that Diana has agreed to share her talents and years of experience to expertly lead the LCEC as we embark on a thoughtful search for an executive director,” said Lorri Wendorf-Corrigan, president of the LCEC board of directors. “We’re confident that Diana will provide outstanding leadership during this transition.”
Shinall, a longtime Madison resident originally from Gary, Indiana, has worked with BIPOC and low-income communities in three states for more than 20 years. She has a strong background in employment, training and workforce development, especially with populations and individuals facing multiple barriers. She has a deep understanding of equity and is eager to integrate her knowledge with the LCEC framework, which focuses on social and racial justice issues.
Shinall is also an experienced fundraiser, having worked with city, county and United Way sources as well as individual donors throughout her career.
For more than 15 years, Shinall led the organization she founded – TJs Support Brokerage Firm, Inc. As executive director, she oversaw a pre-apprenticeship life skills training program for youth and adults in Madison, managing the budget, staffing, a board of directors, curriculum development, outreach, fundraising and instruction. She collaborated with multiple partners including the Madison school district, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Madison College and the South Central Workforce Development Board, among others.
“I look forward to working with the community, staff, board, and other partners to continue the great work of the Lussier Community Education Center,” Shinall says.
Shinall began her tenure with the LCEC on September 22. Outgoing Executive Director Paul Terranova left the post on September 30.
The LCEC board of directors has been seeking input from the community before launching a national search for a permanent executive director. Community members wishing to provide feedback can contact Wendorf-Corrigan at lorriwendorf.corrigan@gmail.com.
