CMS awards $63 million in 'Navigator Awards' to groups that help consumers find coverage on marketplace
Funds are awarded to organizations in 34 states that have a federally-facilitated marketplace.
CMS headquarters-Maryland
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid is awarding $63 million to 96 returning organizations and two new ones in Hawaii to help consumers navigate the Obamacare marketplace.
The 2016 Navigator grant funding falls ahead of open enrollment, which begins on November 1.
It is awarded to organizations in 34 states that have a federally-facilitated marketplace, including those in which the state performs plan management functions, and also to state partnership marketplaces.
The money supports local in-person assistance to help consumers navigate, shop and enroll in the variety of marketplace coverage options.
[Also: HRSA awards $16 million to expand telehealth, other rural healthcare services]
This is the second year of a three-year funding cycle for the returning organizations that provide local, in-person assistance.
Navigators are trained to help consumers, small businesses and employees look for health coverage options and financial assistance through the marketplace.
"We are committed to making sure consumers have all the resources they need to find the right plan when open enrollment begins on November 1," said Kevin Counihan, CEO of the Health Insurance Marketplace. "We know in-person assistance is critical to connecting individuals and families with quality, affordable health coverage that best meets their needs."
A list of Navigator awards is available here.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
