Subject:
Title
Grant award for Cooperative Agreement from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to support navigators in federally-facilitated and state partnership marketplaces.
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Recommended Action
Recommended Action
Approval of grant award for Cooperative Agreement from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to support navigators in federally-facilitated and state partnership marketplaces.
Grant award in the amount of $580,000 per year for three years, effective September 2, 2015 through September 1, 2018, subject to congressional appropriation.
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:
This grant provides a three year commitment of funding in support of the Pinellas County Navigator Program beginning September 2, 2015 through September 1, 2018. Following a competitive solicitation, Human Services was notified on September 1, 2015 that the County received $580,000.00 per year for three years to continue to serve Pinellas County residents.
Navigators will continue to be located throughout the county to provide enrollment assistance to uninsured and/or underinsured residents who may not have originally sought health insurance coverage due to a lack of information, community resources, and individualized education. Navigators will also be assisting existing clients with re-enrollment for 2016, applying for exemptions and the appeals process. Navigators also provide outreach and education services to the community. This service helped strengthen our relationships with our partners in the community and helped educate the clients on services available beyond just the marketplace.
Background Information:
In the past year, Navigators were dispersed throughout the County and provided in-person assistance to 5,191 uninsured and/or underinsured consumers. By assisting residents in the enrollment process, the County is working to increase access to healthcare services in the community, expand collaborations targeting special populations, increase the number of covered adults and children through paid plans and Medicaid for those who qualify, and create a healthier community.
Fiscal Impact:
Federal Grant Funds in the amount of $580,000.00 per year for three years. No county match is required.
Staff Member Responsible:
Lourdes Benedict, Director, Human Services
Partners:
N/A