The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Aug. 26 awarded $100 million in navigator grants to 44 organizations to help consumers enroll in health coverage in states participating in the federal health insurance marketplace. Navigators assist consumers with eligibility and enrollment forms, and post-enrollment services such as using their coverage to receive care. They also help individuals enroll in or renew Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage.
Navigators
Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) makes grant awards to organizations who serve as Navigators in Federally-facilitated Marketplace (FFM) states. Navigators play a vital role in helping consumers prepare applications to establish eligibility and enroll in coverage through the Marketplaces and potentially qualify for an insurance affordability programs. They also provide outreach and education to raise awareness about the Marketplace and refer consumers to health insurance ombudsman and consumer assistance programs when necessary. Navigators operate year-round—increasing awareness among the remaining uninsured about the coverage options available to them, helping consumers find affordable coverage that meets their needs, and assisting consumers beyond the enrollment process to ensure they’re equipped with the tools and resources needed to utilize and maintain their health coverage all year. Navigators must complete comprehensive federal Navigator training, criminal background checks, and state training and registration (when applicable), prior to assisting consumers.
On August 26, 2024, CMS awarded $100 million in Navigator cooperative agreement awards to 44 organizations who will serve as Navigator awardees in the 28 states with an FFM. These awards support the work of organizations that offer assistance to consumers navigating, shopping for, and enrolling in health insurance coverage for plan year 2025.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Community HealthCare Assoc. of the Dakotas (CHAD – Get Covered Collaborative) 2024 Award Amount: $1,600,000
Primary Contact: Jill Kesler
Phone: (605) 309-1002
Email: jill@communityhealthcare.org
Counties Served: Statewide
Priority Population(s) Rural communities; low income individuals; American Indian individuals; racial and ethnic minorities; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and other LGBTQ+ individuals; and Medicaid-eligible consumers who are not enrolled in coverage.
Subawardee/ Subrecipient Contracted Organizations
- Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas
- Complete Health · Horizon Health Care
- South Dakota Urban Indian Health
- Western South Dakota Community Action
- Helpline Center 2-1-1
Community Relationships: Health Connect; Indian Health Services – Flandreau; SD Voices for Peace; shelters for the unhoused; food banks; community action agencies; faith-based organizations; extension service providers; Title I Schools; organizations with community health workers; other non-profits who provide care and resources to those with low income; Falls Community Health; Transformation Project; Sioux Falls School District Cultural Center; shelters; American Indian pow-wows; and PRIDE organizations.
A list of 2024 Navigator grant recipients can be found here: 2024 Navigator Grant Recipients.
