Biden Administration Funding 60 Affordable Care Act navigation organizations in the 2022 plan year, From 30 Get funding this year.
These organizations train and certify navigators to help consumers find coverage in federally funded markets.
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services is providing $80 million in grants to 60 organizations with the goal of increasing the number of navigators to more than 1,500. The announcement was made two months before the opening of registration on November 1 of the 2022 coverage year.
Navigation organizations include community and consumer-centric non-profit organizations, faith organizations, trade and professional associations, hospitals, and tribes or tribal organizations.
“Our local partners are crucial in helping people get protection,” Xavier Becerra, Minister of Health and Human Services, said at a press conference. “By expanding our navigator base, we will reach more underserved communities and expand our network of trusted experts who can help people across the country navigate their healthcare options.”
The 2021 Navigator Award lasts for 36 months, with funding provided in 12-month increments.
In the 2022 plan year, grantees will focus on providing outreach services to people identified as races and minorities, people in rural communities, LGBTQ+ communities, American Indians, and Alaska Natives. In fact, applicants are required to elaborate on their outreach and enrollment work for disadvantaged groups.
The Navigator program started in 2013 to help people get medical insurance options through the market, Medicaid, or children’s health insurance plans.
In recent years, the plan has experienced some turbulence.The Trump administration cuts funding for the Navigator program from $63 million in 2016 to $10 million 2020 and 2021.
But Biden’s CMS reversed this downward trend. Earlier this year, the agency announced $80 million in funding for ACA navigators in the 2022 plan year.Recent rules Also restored the previous requirements The navigator provides consumers with information and assistance on post-registration topics, such as eligibility appeal procedures.
This year, the number of registrations in HealthCare.gov and various state markets has increased. 2.5 million people signed up During the special enrollment period in 2021, from February 15th to August 15th.
In addition, as of March, nearly 81.7 million people had obtained insurance through Medicaid and CHIP, a record high.
Photo: Joe Riddle, Getty Images
