Connect for Health Colorado has awarded $17 million in grants to support their Assistance Network (aka “health care navigators”), a group of organizations aimed at educating the public about the new exchange and options for healthcare in 2014 and beyond. $2.1 million of that total has been allocated for Northern Colorado. These 6 organizations have been offered grants*:
- The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado ($244,000)
- Health District of Northern Larimer County ($650,000)
- Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountain ($200,000)
- North Colorado Health Alliance ($685,700)
- Salud Family Health Centers ($200,000)
- Women’s Resource Center ($125,000)
The grants extend for 18 months, including the first two open enrollment periods after the exchange opens. The North Colorado Health Alliance has been identified as one of six statewide “hubs,” which means that they will be responsible for overseeing and supporting other organizations in the network within the area.
The Assistance Network’s organizations will hire and train guides to offer unbiased assistance for consumers to shop within the exchange (but not outside.) Guides will also be able to assist with applying for insurance affordability programs, and advise people on tax credits and premium assistance.
The Assistance Network is just one branch of Connect for Health Colorado’s customer service plan. The others include online information, a call-in/ chat based customer service center, and licensed brokers (like Sage Benefit Advisors) who are certified to sell in the exchange.
Our Sage broker/advisors will be certified within the exchange, but remember that they are also able to assist with choices outside the exchange as well. There are several large carriers sitting out of the exchange, so keep your options open and contact us to receive free advice and/or quotes. We will help to find the best solution for you, your family, and/or your business.
*These are proposed organizations and grant amounts. Final details will be released soon.