Subject:
Title
Grant application with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the Cooperative Agreement to Support Navigators in Federally Facilitated Exchanges.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the Department Director of the grant application to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Medicare, and Medicaid Services for the Cooperative Agreement to Support Navigators in Federally Facilitated Exchanges (FFE).
• Grant application to provide funding for a Pinellas County Navigators Program.
• Navigators help consumers prepare applications to establish eligibility and enroll in health insurance coverage through the FFE and help determine whether consumers potentially qualify for insurance affordability programs.
• The grant application is seeking funding in the amount of $500,000.00 per year for three years. No match is required for the grant.Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener and purchaser of services for those in need
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
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). 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. This is the sixth Funding Opportunity since 2013 that will fund Navigators serving in FFEs.
Background/Explanation:
In 2015, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners applied for and received a competitive grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to Support Navigators in Federally-facilitated and State Partnership Marketplaces for three years with an annual budget of $580,000. Pinellas County utilized the funds to provide navigational services (outreach, education, and enrollment into the federal marketplace or other qualifying plans) to individuals and families seeking assistance.
Navigators were dispersed throughout the County and provided individual assistance in one-on-one interactions with 21,613 residents over the last three year period. The Pinellas County Navigators hosted or attended 653 outreach events with a total attendance of over 239,987 during the grant project period. Supporting these efforts, the County launched a comprehensive media campaign during open enrollment periods driving consumers to our events, dedicated phone line, and our website www.pinellascounty.org/navigators, in addition to distributing posters, tri-fold brochures and business cards.
Navigators operate year-round-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’re equipped with the tools and resources needed to utilize and maintain their health coverage all year.
Fiscal Impact:
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the Cooperative Agreement to Support Navigators in Federally-facilitated Exchanges provides up to $14,532,590 in federal funding for the State of Florida, of which Pinellas County will be applying for up to $500,000.00 per year for the Pinellas County service area. There are no match or cost-sharing requirements.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the Department Director to sign this grant application was delegated by the County Administrator per the memo dated March 28, 2016 titled “Delegation of Authority by the County Administrator and Improved Grant Procedures.”
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director
Partners:
Covering Tampa Bay Coalition
Tampa Family Healthcare Foundation
Attachments:
Intent to Apply
Notice of Funding Opportunity