Photo Credit: Iola Register
Thrive Allen County health care Navigators will be able to continue helping underserved communities, consumers, and small businesses find and enroll in quality, affordable health coverage thanks to federal funds. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is awarding this new round of grants, in advance of this year’s Marketplace Open Enrollment (which begins November 1, 2024), to 44 Navigator grantees across the nation. The grants are part of a commitment of up to $500 million over five years — the longest grant period and financial commitment to date, and a critical boost for recruiting trusted local organizations to better connect with those who often face barriers to obtaining health care coverage.
Kansas CARES, a program of Thrive Allen County that works with partners across the state, utilizes Navigators who offer free assistance to people exploring health coverage options through HealthCare.gov, from reviewing available plans to assisting with eligibility and enrollment forms, and post-enrollment services such as using their coverage to get care. Navigators can also assist people in helping enroll in or renew Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage. Navigators are vetted and trained to provide support for the millions who have enrolled in Affordable Care Act coverage under the Biden-Harris Administration.
