The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it has awarded $67 million to 105 navigator grant applicants in federally-facilitated and state partnership marketplaces.
Navigators are groups trained to provide unbiased information to consumers about health insurance, the new health insurance marketplaces, qualified health plans and public programs including Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, according to a news release. They will be required to adhere to strict security and privacy standards and will complete 20 to 30 hours of training to obtain certification.
“Navigators will be among the many resources available to help consumers understand their coverage options in the marketplace,” Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of HHS, stated in the release. “A network of volunteers on the ground in every state — health care providers, business leaders, faith leaders, community groups, advocates and local elected officials — can help spread the word and encourage their neighbors to get enrolled.”
HHS also recognized more than 100 national organizations and businesses that have volunteered to help consumers learn about health care coverage options within the new insurance marketplaces.
