CMS NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: CMS Media Relations
Thursday, August 15, 2013 (202) 690-6145 | press@cms.hhs.gov
New resources available to help consumers navigate the Health Insurance Marketplace
HHS awards $67 million to Navigators and recognizes more than 100 organizations as Champions for Coverage
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced $67 million in grant awards to 105 Navigator grant applicants in Federally-facilitated and State Partnership Marketplaces. These Navigator grantees and their staff will serve as an in-person resource for Americans who want additional assistance in shopping for and enrolling in plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace beginning this fall. Also today, HHS recognized more than 100 national organizations and businesses who have volunteered to help Americans learn about the health care coverage available in the Marketplace.
“Navigators
will be among the many resources available to help consumers understand
their coverage options in the Marketplace,” said Secretary Sebelius. “A
network of volunteers on the ground in every state – health care
providers, business leaders, faith leaders, community groups, advocates,
and local elected officials – can help spread the word and encourage
their neighbors to get enrolled.”
Today’s
announcement builds upon the significant progress in outreach and
education made this summer. Consumers can learn about and enroll in
coverage later this fall through HealthCare.gov.
HHS launched 24-hours-a-day consumer call center ready to answer
questions in 150 languages. More than 1,200 community health centers
across the country are preparing to help enroll uninsured Americans in
coverage, and a partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library
Services will help trusted local libraries be a resource for consumers
who want information on their options. In addition, HHS has begun
training other individuals who will be providing in-person assistance,
such as agents and brokers and certified application counselors.
Navigators
are trained to provide unbiased information in a culturally competent
manner to consumers about health insurance, the new Health Insurance
Marketplaces, qualified health plans, and public programs including
Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The Navigator
funding opportunity announcement was open to eligible private and public
groups and people who are self-employed who met certain standards to
promote effectiveness, diversity, and program integrity.
Navigators
will be required to adhere to strict security and privacy standards –
including how to safeguard a consumer’s personal information. They’ll be
required to complete 20-30 hours of training to be certified, will take
additional training throughout the year, and will renew their
certification yearly. All types of enrollment assisters – including
in-person assistors, Certified Application Counselors, and agents and
brokers – are required to complete specific training and are subject to
federal criminal penalties for violations of privacy or fraud statutes,
on top of any relevant state law penalties.
The
growing list of Champions for Coverage is one more example of
businesses and organizations across the nation pitching in to help
consumers understand the coming options for quality, affordable
coverage. Champions for Coverage, among others, include:
- American Medical Association
- League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
- NAACP
- National Baptist Convention
- National Partnership for Women and Families
For a list of Navigator awardees or more information about Navigators and other in-person assisters, please visit: http://cciio.cms.gov/programs/exchanges/assistance.html
Click here to learn more about organizations participating in Champions for Coverage: http://marketplace.cms.gov/help-us/champions-for-coverage-list.pdf .
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