Subject:
Title
Non-Competing Grant Application with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services for Year Two of the 2015-2018 Navigator Grant Program.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the County Administrator of the submission of the non-competing grant application with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the second budget-period (2016-2017) of the Navigator Grant program.
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:
If awarded second-year grant funding, the County will continue to provide navigational services to individuals and families seeking assistance with enrollment into the federal marketplace or other qualifying plans.
Background/Explanation:
In 2015, Human Services received and accepted a three-year competitive grant award (2015-2018) from CMS to Support Navigators in federally-facilitated and state partnership exchanges. Human Services utilized the funds to provide outreach and education to thousands of citizens, and provided navigational services to nearly five-thousand (5,000) individuals and families seeking assistance with enrollment into the federal marketplace or other qualifying plans.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2016 Plan Selections by zip codes in the marketplace through January 31, 2016, 66,221 individuals enrolled into a health plan in the County. This represents a 13.5% increase in enrollments over the total 2015 plan selections by zip codes in the marketplace of 58,339 individuals in the County and an 80% increase over 2014 plan selections of 35,412 individuals. Florida remains one of the largest states with a high concentration of uninsured individuals.
Under the new multi-year funding structure, the 36-month project period is funded in 12-month increments known as budget periods. As outline in the 2015 Navigator FOA, grantees will be required to submit a non-competing continuation application every 12 months for continued funding of their award during the 36-month period. For the second year, the County was notified that $580,000 in the state of Florida is available for the County during the second budget period.
With second year funding, Navigators will continue assisting clients with (re)enrollment, outreach and education services in the community. By assisting residents in the enrollment process, the County is pro-actively working to reduce the number of uninsured residents, creating a healthier community and providing more access to care.
Fiscal Impact:
Grant application for federal funding in the amount of $580,000. No County match is required.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to approve this grant application is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(4).
Staff Member Responsible:
Lourdes Benedict, Director
Partners:
County Libraries
Neighborhood Community Centers
Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County
Attachments:
SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance
SF-424A Budget Information - Non-Construction
SF-424B Assurances - Non-Construction
SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
Project Abstract Summary
Key Personnel
2016-2017 Original Project Narrative
2016-2017 Budget Narrative Justification