Webinar– From Coverage to Care: Connecting the Newly Insured to the Health Care System
Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 2 – 3 PM EST
In April, President Obama announced that more than 8 million people have signed up for health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Many community organizations, including libraries, will play a role in helping the newly insured understand how to use their new health insurance coverage. This webinar will focus on the information and resources available to help consumers learn about the importance of health insurance and how to appropriately navigate the health care system. Topics will include key terms, how to select a health care provider, when and where to seek health services and why prevention and establishing a medical home with a primary care provider is important.
Presenter: Jennifer Syria from the Region I External Affairs, Office of the Regional Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Register here.
Understanding Special Enrollment Periods
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released a new video regarding what it means for individuals to qualify for a special enrollment period in the health insurance Marketplace. This resource may be useful as a supplement to some of the key dates that have been established for Marketplace enrollment.
New Consumer Data from Enroll America
Enroll America has published recent findings regarding the attitudes, knowledge, and experiences of individuals who obtained healthcare coverage through the health insurance Marketplace, and those who remained uninsured. They’ve also made available a free webinar archive reviewing the findings, which provide useful insight into the information seeking needs of individuals exploring their health coverage options through the Marketplace.
2014 – 2015 Navigator Funding Announcement
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a recent funding opportunity intended to support Navigators providing health insurance enrollment assistance in Federally-Facilitated and State Partnership Marketplaces in 2014 – 2015. You may learn more about this opportunity here: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=93.332.
Many libraries have actively partnered with Navigator organizations in their communities to support outreach, education, and enrollment in the health insurance Marketplace established as part of the Affordable Care Act. Libraries have contributed in many ways, such as providing space for Navigator information sessions, making library computers available for enrollment sessions, and sharing resources from Navigators in person and online. HealthCare.gov defines Navigators as: An individual or organization that’s trained and able to help consumers, small businesses, and their employees as they look for health coverage options through the Marketplace, including completing eligibility and enrollment forms. These individuals and organizations are required to be unbiased. Their services are free to consumers.
You can learn more about Navigators and engaging other community health partners in the Partner Engagement section of WebJunction’s Health Happens in Libraries project site.