Lynnwood Community Health Fair will be from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Lynnwood Senior Center.

This family-friendly event will include free informative health presentations throughout the afternoon, free flu vaccines and kids’ activities. WithinReach, a local non-profit will have their trained, bilingual and certified staff available to provide guidance and arrange personal appointments to help your family sign up for insurance and other services.

Health Insurance Enrollment Details: The online tool, wahealthplanfinder.org will be open on Oct. 1 for coverage beginning January 2014.

All insurance plans will have to cover 10 essential health benefits such as doctor visits, hospitalizations, maternity care, emergency room care, prescriptions and others. Insurance plans cannot deny health coverage if someone is sick or has a pre-existing condition.

All insurance plans will have to show the costs and what is covered. In 2014, those who do not have health insurance will have to pay a penalty when they file their 2014 taxes. There are some exceptions, like for people whose income is so low they don’t have to file taxes.

If you can’t make it to the Oct. 19 event, make an appointment to discuss health insurance options by calling WithinReach at 800-322-2588. They can help on the phone or in-person/

The community health fair is sponsored by Lynnwood’s Diversity Commission, Lynnwood Fire Department, Verdant Health Commission, and WithinReach

For more information, contact the Community Outreach Specialist at 425-670-5023 or by email at jmoore@ci.lynnwood.wa.us