By Greater Lawrence Community Action Council
“Before Kesia Moreta began helping residents navigate the health care system at the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council (GLCAC), she was a client herself.
Moreta immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2012, starting over in a new country as a single mother of two young daughters without health insurance.
She turned to GLCAC, a social services agency selected by the Massachusetts Health Connector to help residents throughout Greater Lawrence, including North Andover, obtain health insurance coverage.
“The Navigators worked closely with me, in my native Spanish, to help me understand the health care system. And their support saved me,” said Moreta, who needed two critical surgeries within a year. “Having insurance gave me something incredibly important – peace of mind. It allowed me to focus on healing, working, and continuing to build a future for myself and my daughters here in the United States.”
Today, Moreta understands firsthand the frustrations and fears many families face when navigating health insurance. Helping others overcome those challenges has become her mission.
As manager of GLCAC’s Health Insurance Navigator Program, she oversees a team of Navigators who provide free assistance to residents applying for health and dental coverage.
The service is especially important as Massachusetts enters its annual open enrollment period, which began October 23 and continues through January 23, 2027.
Residents seeking coverage beginning January 1, 2027, must select a plan and make their first premium payment by December 23. Those seeking coverage beginning February 1 must complete enrollment and payment by January 23.
GLCAC’s Navigators can help North Andover residents review their existing coverage, compare available plans, understand costs, and select coverage that meets their needs.
“It’s important to take the time to understand your options and choose the plan that works best for your family and your budget,” said GLCAC CEO and Executive Director Vilma Martinez-Dominguez.
For Moreta, the importance of this assistance goes well beyond completing applications.
Every day, she sees the relief on people’s faces when they realize they can take their child to the doctor, fill a prescription, or finally receive the medical care they need.
“It’s about peace of mind, stability and opportunity,” Moreta said.
Free Assistance Available to North Andover Residents
GLCAC will also host a special Open Enrollment event on Saturday, December 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 305 Essex Street in Lawrence. No appointment is necessary for the event.
Residents planning to enroll should visit GLCAC’s website in advance to review the documents they may need to bring.
