Through funding support from Dogwood Health Trust, former mill workers, or those downsized in other businesses because of the Pactiv Evergreen closure, can receive assistance from Mountain Projects’ certified application counselors to help find healthcare coverage. Workers may also receive up to $500 per family member per month as reimbursement for health insurance premiums.

Jan Plummer from Mountain Projects has been leading the effort to let mill employees know of health insurance options.

“We are seeing more and more folks coming through now that the reality of the mill closure is setting in,” she said. “We are here to listen, answer questions, provide information and walk everyone through health insurance options that are available to them. Having funding to assist with costly premiums is a huge relief to many who are facing the sticker shock of coverage costs.”

Certified Application Counselors at Mountain Projects are experienced in wading through the complexities of insurance options. United Way of Haywood County will disburse funds to assist with premium cost reimbursement. The reimbursements are non-taxable and are available to displaced workers for coverage costs that occur July 2023 through December 2023.

Appointments can be scheduled online at calendly.com/mpinc  between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, or workers can call Mountain Projects at 828.452.1447 to schedule an appointment by phone. Online applications are available at  mountainprojects.org .