With main components of the Affordable Care Act going into effect Jan. 1 of next year, Donna Dorr, Ombudsman for the Oklahoma Insurance Department, will hold a discussion from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, in College Union 1.

Professional Development Coordinator Dana Culton said Dorr will answer questions regarding the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and explain who will be affected and how.

This will benefit many students who are affected by the act, which requires all Americans to purchase a private health care plan, get an exemption or pay 1 to 2.5 percent of their taxable income or a set amount, according to obamacarefacts.com.

“People don’t know or care to know,” physical therapy assistant major Johnné Leake said in regards to the health care reform.

“I’ve been working at FedEx, but have to work for one year to get insurance,” cyber security major Jasmine Franco said.

Although there won’t be any navigators available during the event, Dorr offered to return if there is a need for additional sessions or to provide individual assistance for those with questions not answered during the presentation, Culton said.

“I live with my parents, so I don’t even think about that stuff,” child development major Kately Jekel said.

“For people who don’t know about it, (and don’t purchase coverage), it will suck, because they’ll have to pay a fine,” physical therapy assistant major Tiffany McElfresh said.

Fifty to 100 people are expected to attend. There will be time for a question and answer period following the presentation.

For more information about how the Affordable Care Act affects you, read more at http://pioneer.occc.edu/index.php/news/1-latest-news/3093-affordable-care-act-touches-everyone.

For more information about the event, call Culton at 405-682-7827.