OpportunityTitle: Cooperative Agreement to Support Navigators in Federally-facilitated Exchanges
CategoryExplanation: Please refer to the NOFO.
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: This Funding Opportunity is open to eligible entities and individuals applying to serve consumers in States with a Federally-facilitated Marketplace (FFM).  Entities and individuals cannot serve as federally certified Navigators without receiving federal cooperative agreement funding to perform Navigator duties. Under section 1311(i)(2)(B) of the ACA, eligible entities may include, but are not limited to, trade, industry and professional associations; commercial fishing industry organizations; ranching and farming organizations; community and consumer-focused nonprofit groups; chambers of commerce; unions; resource partners of the Small Business Administration; other licensed insurance agents and brokers and other entities capable of meeting program requirements. Eligible applicants may choose to partner with other entities and/or individuals to form a consortium of sub-recipients in order to target a larger total portion of the underserved and vulnerable populations. In the case of an application from more than one entity or individual (i.e., a consortium), applicants must designate a lead applicant to serve as the primary contact for, and recipient of, federal funding, and that will serve as the pass-through entity for making federal funds awarded under the Funding Opportunity available to other consortium members.
Description: The Cooperative Agreement to Support Navigators in Federally-facilitated Exchanges (Funding Opportunity) will enable recipients to operate as Exchange Navigators in States with a Federally-facilitated Marketplace (FFM) for benefit years 2022 through 2024. Entities or individuals eligible to apply for funding through this Funding Opportunity must be capable of carrying out, at a minimum, all Navigator duties required by the ACA and HHS regulations. The primary regulations that establish requirements for awardees under this Funding Opportunity are 45 C.F.R. &#167;&#167; 155.210 and 155.215. These regulations establish duties that are required of all recipients of funding under this Funding Opportunity, including, but not limited to: &#8226; Conducting public education activities to raise awareness about the Exchange; &#8226; Facilitating selection of a QHP; &#8226; Providing information in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate to the needs of the population served by the Exchange, including individuals with limited English proficiency, and ensuring accessibility and usability of Navigator tools and functions for individuals with disabilities; &#8226; Providing referrals to any applicable office of health insurance consumer assistance or health insurance ombudsman established under section 2793 of the Public Health Service Act, or any other appropriate state agency or agencies, for any enrollee with a grievance, complaint, or question regarding their health plan, coverage, or a determination under such plan or coverage; &#8226; Complying with applicable training and conflict of interest standards; &#8226; Obtaining the authorization of applicants for coverage available through an Exchange prior to accessing their personally identifiable information; and &#8226; Providing targeted assistance to serve underserved or vulnerable populations. All information contained in the forecast is subject to change and no applications are requested at this time. Elements of the final Funding Opportunity may differ from what is contained in this forecast. Prospective applicants should hold all questions and requests for information until the full announcement (Funding Opportunity) is issued. This forecast in no way obligates HHS to release a solicitation or make awards. Issuance of the 2021 Cooperative Agreement to Support Navigators in Federally-facilitated Exchanges will be subject to internal HHS approvals and the availability of funds.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: N/A
GrantorContactText: Please refer to NOFO
CloseDateExplanation: Please refer to the NOFO