Conn. health exchange spreading word at beaches - WTNH

Updated: Sunday, 11 Aug 2013, 3:29 PM EDT

Published : Sunday, 11 Aug 2013, 3:25 PM EDT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut's health insurance exchange is going to the beach to get the word out about open enrollment.

Outreach teams from the exchange, Access Health CT, are visiting with beach-goers at Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme, Silver Sands State Park in Milford and Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.

The teams plan to provide information about the Affordable Care Act, how it will affect families and ways people can enroll in a health insurance plan this fall. Open enrollment begins Oct. 1 for the insurance plans offered by insurers participating with the new marketplace.

Teams plan to hand out sunscreen. An aerial banner pulled by a plane will read "Get Covered!"

The first beach visits happened on Saturday. Others are planned for Aug. 24 and Aug. 31.