Volunteers prepare for next Affordable Care Act open enrollment

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Local volunteers are preparing for the next open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act.

For 22 years, Gracie Reyes says she had no health care until getting covered through the Affordable Care Act.

"You know now I can just pick up my medication I don't have to pay 2-300 dollars for insulin that I need to use," explained Reyes.

That's why she says she's volunteering her time to help other people get covered during the second enrollment period.

"It's a good feeling to help people making sure they're able to get insurance," said Reyes. "Either through medical or another insurance program."

According to SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, millions of Americans still remain without health insurance. Covered California was met with criticism earlier this year, when the enrollment website repeatedly crashed and many people were unable to sign up.

A new study also recently found that Covered California does not provide enough coverage for low income pregnant women. SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West is hosting 10 enrollment fairs over the three month enrollment period to help people through those concerns.

"We're here to educate them, enroll them, and get them connected with a provider here," ACA enrollment launch volunteer Mary Hollauer.

At the fairs they say they'll help people schedule their first doctor's appointment and help undocumented families connect with healthcare programs.

The ACA enrollment event this Saturday from 9am to 2pm. It's being held at the SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West office off of Shaw and Fresno Street.