We first reported last month that the Guthrie County Extension and Outreach Office is encouraging local residents to sign up for a health insurance course being offered in early 2014 that will help clear up some questions and concerns about the complex new healthcare system.

The “Smart Choice Health Insurance Program” will be held Wednesday, January 15th, from 6 to 8pm at the Extension Office in Guthrie Center.

ISU Extension Family Finance Specialist Ruth Freeman will be the speaker at the event, and she explains why it is beneficial for local residents to attend.

“I really think the advantage (of the course) is helping families think about how we need to consider multiple options.  When I teach, no matter what part of financial education I’m talking about, we challenge people to compare three or more (options) side by side, and so that’s what we’ll be talking about with health insurance also.  There are number of different plans, but which one makes sense the most sense for a family’s particular situation?”

Ultimately, Freeman believes her talk will help bring families closer to answering that question.

Pre-registration for Freeman’s course is required, and anyone interested in attending should contact the Guthrie County Extension Office before seats fill.  Call them at 641-747-2276.