Letters to the Editor

Enrollment event for ACA Marketplace a big success

I would like to thank the Black Mountain News, Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa, the Swannanoa Library, the Black Mountain Library and the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry for making a positive contribution towards the health of our neighbors.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 12.7 million consumers enrolled in a health insurance plan via the Affordable Care Act Marketplace between Nov. 1, 2015 and Jan. 31, 2016. An astounding 613,487 consumers, a 20 percent increase, enrolled in ACA plans in North Carolina. Only two much larger states, Florida and Texas, had more enrollments. Many residents of Black Mountain and Swannanoa enrolled.

At a recent meeting of local volunteers there were many stories of people who were thrilled to have affordable insurance. There were too many who learned to their dismay that they could not get insurance because their yearly income was less than $11,770 or a wage of $5.66/hour for a full-time job.

Jeff Dektor

Swannanoa

BM Fire Department saved the day

On behalf of everyone on Penland Cove Road near Asheville Watershed, I want to thank the Black Mountain Fire Department for its dedicated work during the recent snow storm. That night, a huge tree blew down completely blocking our gravel road. This created a dangerous situation as the families living beyond the downed tree had no way out and emergency personnel, if needed, had no way in.

Firefighters Bobby Davis, Eddie Buchanan, and Chris Snyder responded that very night, despite 10 inches of snow and high winds and cleared the tree from the road. We will never take for granted how fortunate we are to have such a professional fire department in our community.

Fern Martin

Black Mountain