OpportunityTitle: Cooperative Agreement to Support Navigators in Federally-facilitated Exchanges
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: Under section 1311(i)(2)(B) of the ACA, eligible entities may include, but are not limited to, community and consumer-focused nonprofit groups; trade, industry, and professional associations; commercial fishing industry organizations; ranching and farming organizations; chambers of commerce; unions; resource partners of the Small Business Administration; other public or private entities or individuals that meet the requirements of this section. Other entities may include but are not limited to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian organizations, Alaska Natives, and State or local human service agencies, 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 subrecipients to target a larger total portion of the underserved or 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 Exchange (FFE), as authorized by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Each year, the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) makes grant awards to organizations who serve as Navigators in FFE states. Navigators help consumers prepare applications to establish eligibility and enroll in coverage through the Exchanges, and help determine whether consumers potentially qualify for insurance affordability programs. They also provide outreach and education to raise awareness about the Exchanges. As trusted community partners, Navigators are required to provide targeted assistance to underserved and vulnerable populations within the Exchange service area, which is critical to improving access to health care coverage for communities that often experience a disproportionate burden of disease. In furtherance of the Biden Administration&#8217;s goals on ensuring access to and expanding affordable and high-quality health care coverage and improving health equity, Navigators are well positioned to reach historically underserved and vulnerable communities, especially those who continue to face significant health disparities. Navigators operate year-round&#8212;increasing awareness among the remaining uninsured about the coverage options available to them, helping consumers find affordable coverage that meets their needs, and assisting consumers beyond the enrollment process to ensure they&#8217;re equipped with the tools and resources needed to utilize and maintain their health coverage all year. The increased funding available to applicants through this Funding Opportunity will enable FFE Navigators to further expand their reach, with a renewed focus on outreach to diverse, underserved, and vulnerable communities.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: navigatorgrants@cms.hhs.gov
GrantorContactText: Please refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity