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Rep. Terri Sewell announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), awarded AIDS Alabama a $2,342,245 grant for its Navigator funding. This grant is a part of the $98.9 million grant funding returning to Navigator organizations ahead of the 2023 Open Enrollment Period to provide additional assistance to Alabamians shopping for and enrolling in plans through the Marketplace, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Enroll Alabama, AIDS Alabama’s health care navigator program, has been federally funded since the program’s inception in 2013.
“This is great news! Enroll Alabama has been a beacon of hope for countless Alabamians, serving as a critical resource in our work to get people in every corner of the state enrolled in health coverage. Since the Navigator program was created with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in 2013, I have heard directly from countless Alabamians who enrolled in health coverage for the first time in their lives thanks to an Enroll Alabama Navigator who helped them sign up,” said Rep. Sewell. “Thanks to this investment, Enroll Alabama will be able to retain staff and hire more navigators to help Alabamians find affordable, comprehensive health coverage.”
“AIDS Alabama and the Enroll Alabama program are thrilled to receive these funds. With this award, we will be staffed with 22 Navigators throughout the state of Alabama and our Navigators are ready to assist consumers with their healthcare enrollment needs in both English and Spanish,” said AIDS Alabama Director of Policy and Advocacy Vanessa Finley. “Navigators also attend community events such as health and resource fairs to assist consumers withhealthcare.gov, Medicaid, and AllKids enrollment. Not sure if you’re eligible for health insurance assistance? Give us a call and we’re happy to help!”
“This is a historic investment to connect people to high-quality, affordable health care,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra. “Last year, our investments helped result in the lowest uninsured rate in our nation’s history. This year, we’re doubling down on our efforts to ensure people get the insurance they need. Navigators critically help us reach people where they are, educating them on their health insurance options that can be lifesaving.”
“Reaching people where they are is a key part of our strategy to connect people to health coverage. Navigators were incredibly effective during the last Open Enrollment period when a historic number of people signed up and now we are doubling down on investing in community Navigators who can help people find the coverage they need,” said Administrator for Medicare and Medicaid Services Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “For those changing coverage or who struggle to afford health insurance, there are a variety of options to help. The Health Insurance Marketplace and state-based Marketplaces can offer no-cost or low-cost coverage to millions of people.”
