Nebraska Community Action Agencies Receive Affordable Care Act Navigator Grant

Community Action of Nebraska, including Blue Valley Community Action Partnership, has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to fund a statewide network of Marketplace Navigators to assist families and individuals enrolling in health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. The Navigators will be available to assist families, individuals and small businesses purchasing health insurance coverage through the federally operated Health Insurance Marketplace.

The grant provides $562,457 to initiate communication and outreach regarding the new Marketplace insurance options and to support businesses and families through the enrollment process. In addition, the Navigators will reach out to Nebraskans to provide information about the requirements and benefits of the Affordable Care Act. The grant provides for 10 full-time positions across the state and the training of 62 certified Navigators.

The Marketplace is a new way for families and business to compare health coverage from a variety of insurance companies and select a plan which meets both their needs and their budget. With one application, a family can see all their options, and enroll.

“The insurance plans in the Marketplace are offered by private insurance companies. This is not government-run health care,” said Roger Furrer, Executive Director of Community Action of Nebraska. “The benefit is that the plans can no longer discriminate against a person based on a pre-existing condition or other factors, such as gender,” Furrer added. In addition, the Affordable Care Act allows for tax credits and cost sharing options which will be available to families with limited incomes.

The open enrollment period begins October 1, 2013 and coverage will begin January 1, 2014. Visit http://www.healthcare.gov to sign up for notifications and to learn more about your insurance options through the Marketplace.

Community Action of Nebraska is the network of the nine Community Action agencies serving all 93 counties in Nebraska. Member agencies include: Blue Valley Community Action Partnership, Central Nebraska Community Services, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties, Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska, Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska, Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership, Northeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership, Northwest Nebraska Community Action Partnership, and Southeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership.

Community Action agencies provide programs and resources for individuals, families and communities to promote economic stability, education, and healthy families. To learn more, please contact your local Community Action office or call Community Action of Nebraska at 402-471-3714, or visit their web site at http://www.canhelp.org.