Health Connector Announces 15 Navigator Grant Winners Statewide
Friday, August 15, 2014
These Navigators will have a front-line role in Massachusetts’ effort to encourage current members to submit applications into a new system this fall, as well as to sign up uninsured residents. The 2015 Open Enrollment period runs from November 15th, 2014 to February 15, 2015.
“The upcoming Open Enrollment period gives our members and new applicants the opportunity to find permanent coverage, and enjoy all of the benefits of the Affordable Care Act,” said Jean Yang, the Executive Director of the Health Connector. “Our Navigators provide a valuable service by offering the kind of direct assistance members rely on and respond to best. These groups will be very visible throughout the state, and we look forward to working them throughout Open Enrollment.”
There are currently almost 400,000 people that are in subsidized temporary MassHealth coverage, extended Health Connector coverage, or buy their insurance through Health Connector without financial assistance. Those who meet these qualifications need to update their application information in the system during this open enrollment period to ensure that their coverage won’t be interrupted.
This is the second year of the Navigator program, which is expanding with additional organizations to strengthen regional and ethnic diversity.
Grant Winners
Boston Public Health Commission, $148,382
The Boston Public Health Commission is a returning Navigator and will deliver a comprehensive and innovative outreach strategy that includes targeting young adults and holding events at Women’s Lunch Place, barbershops and local colleges. BPHC will also emphasize assistance to vulnerable populations, including those who recently lost their jobs, immigrants, and low-income residents.
Cambridge Economic Opportunity Council, $85,255
A community-based organization with a history of providing health coverage assistance to Cambridge-area residents, the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Council is a new Navigator. The CEOC will target more than 3,000 people through its Certified Volunteer Income Tax tax preparation program, and is creating a one-stop program that will allow individuals to sign up for health insurance, SNAP and other public benefits in one meeting.
Caring Health Center (Springfield), $199,135
Caring Health Center is a returning Navigator, providing a full range of preventive and primary health care through three locations. Caring will target graduating students from the Springfield area and continue its outreach efforts to those in the Greater Springfield area who are transitioning to ACA coverage this fall.
Casa Latina (Hampshire and Franklin Counties), $80,000
Casa Latina is the only Latino-led and –focused organization in Hampshire County, and is a new Navigator promoting self-sufficiency and a sense of community among local Latinos. Casa Latina will operate a door-to-door campaign targeting 11,000 people and will focus on reaching out to and enrolling Hispanic residents, residents with limited English proficiency and families with mixed immigration status.
Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands, $69,249
A returning Navigator, the Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands takes a comprehensive approach to using community partnerships as part of its outreach, including working with Career Opportunity Centers and the Job Training and Employment Corp. to promote assistance in accessing health care coverage. CACCI also plans on staffing an information kiosk at the Cape Cod Mall during Open Enrollment to provide information and schedule appointments.
Ecu-Health Care (Northern Berkshire County), $40,000
Ecu-Health Care serves eight towns in North Berkshire County and is a returning Navigator. Ecu-Health combines a multi-pronged approach of advertising, print and social media, and face-to-face community presentations with its knowledge of transitioning populations and community partnerships to expand health care access in North Berkshire County.
Family Health Care of Worcester, $142,102
Family Health Care of Worcester is a new Navigator (currently a Certified Application Councilor), that provides access to medical, dental, behavioral and social services through 15 locations in Worcester and South Worcester County. Family Health will provide support to underserved and uninsured residents through its multilingual and multicultural staff, and will promote self-sufficiency with the availability of self-service computer kiosks.
Fishing Partnership, $110,040
Currently a Certified Application Councilor in Massachusetts and a federally-certified Navigator in Maine, the Fishing Partnership is a new Navigator in Massachusetts, with locations in Gloucester, Scituate, New Bedford and Chatham. The Fishing Partnership has a very detailed outreach approach that uses an in-depth member database and years of experience working with its target populations in coastal Massachusetts communities.
Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, $109,960
A current Navigator, Greater Lawrence Community Action Council is focused on helping residents achieve self-sufficiency. As a Navigator, the Community Action Council will use its knowledge of transitioning populations and existing partnerships with neighborhood associations to contact residents, and will use ethnic media – including newspapers and radio – to promote the Affordable Care Act.
Hilltown Community Health Centers, $38,000
A returning Navigator, Hilltown Community Health Centers serve the rural sections of Hampshire and Hampden counties through four sites, and is the only provider of comprehensive medical, dental and other services in the region. Hilltown will take advantage of local opportunities such as agricultural fairs, employment events and health expos to provide outreach and enrollment services.
Joint Committee for Children’s Health Care in Everett, $150,000
The Joint Committee for Children’s Health Care in Everett is a coalition of 24 community-based organizations that is a returning Navigator and provides services that link outreach and preventative health education to hard-to-reach individuals and families. The Joint Committee will expand multicultural and multilingual staffing to better support target populations at on-site locations in the Everett City Hall and Community Center, and at other locations through partnerships with organizations in Chelsea, East Boston, Malden, Revere and Somerville.
Manet Community Health Center (Quincy), $93,150
A returning Navigator, Manet Community Health Center serves the South Shore through six locations, including a new site in Taunton. Outreach and enrollment activities will focus on target populations including the area’s Chinese, Vietnamese, Brazilian, Muslim and Indian communities, with outreach and enrollment events held in conjunction with local colleges and universities, career centers and food pantries.
Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, $158,000
The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers is a returning Navigator with offices throughout Eastern Massachusetts, working with the region’s Brazilian, Cape Verdean, Portuguese and other Portuguese-speaking communities. MAPS uses health fairs, group presentations and other public events to connect with the Commonwealth’s large Portuguese-speaking community.
People Acting in Community Endeavors (New Bedford), $123,197
A returning Navigator, People Acting in Community Endeavors provides a variety of health, education, housing and social services to vulnerable populations in the SouthCoast. PACE uses local media outlets – including Community Access TV, and radio and print media in Spanish and Portuguese – to promote activities and events, and has multilingual staff to assist clients.
Vineyard Health Access/County of Dukes County, $39,790
Vineyard Health Access/County of Dukes County is a new Navigator, which previously worked as a Certified Application Councilor. Vineyard Health Access is the primary contact for health care coverage information and assistance for small businesses and self-employed consumers on the Islands, and includes a multilingual and multicultural staff that works with medically underserved Native Americans and other residents.
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