Health Care Workshops Hosted by Rep. Quigley, State and Local Officials

IRVING PARK — With the federal government's health care website on the fritz, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-5th) is offering the next best thing: assistance in navigating the Affordable Care Act from actual human beings.

Wondering whether you qualify for one of the various health care exchanges? And if so, which plan makes the most sense for you and your family? What about retaining your current coverage?

Counselors will be on hand to answer questions from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at the congressman's district office, 3742 W. Irving Park Road. They'll also schedule appointments to enroll in a plan once the federal site is up and running.

Local officials are stepping in to demystify the new health care exchanges as well.

On Tuesday, Ald. Deb Mell (33rd), Ald. Rey Colon (35th) and state Rep. Jaime Andrade (D-Chicago) are co-hosting an Affordable Care Act Town Hall to help explain the system to their constituents.

Topics will include an explanation of how to obtain benefits under the act, as well as how it affects people's existing health care coverage.

The Town Hall is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. at Brands Park, 3259 N. Elston Ave.