Genesee Health Plan (GHP) is a current HHS Navigator awardee and has been since 2019. This Cooperative Agreement will be used to perform Navigator functions as outlined in 45 C.F.R. SS 155.210 and SS 155.215 and will continue to support Navigators in Federally Facilitated Exchanges. GHP intends to continue its efforts in the following three counties in Michigan: Bay, Genesee, and Saginaw, with a focus on underserved and vulnerable populations. These counties have high percentages of individuals who may qualify for enrollment in the Marketplace or Medicaid/Medicaid Expansion (Healthy Michigan Plan). We also plan to continue to assist those individuals who have lost or may lose coverage through the CHIP/Medicaid "Unwinding." GHP will continue its partnership with Saginaw Health Department and the Helen M. Nickless Free Clinic in Bay County to provide outreach, education, and enrollment services. Total amount budgeted for grant year 3 $324,365.
GHP will continue the "Get It, Keep It, Know It, Use It" campaign project launched in grant year 2021-2022 to target underserved populations and educate them on how to get, keep, understand, and use their benefits. With this grant, it is projected that GHP staff will conduct outreach sessions, education, and assistance for up to 2,500 individuals in the Marketplace, Medicare, and Medicaid programs in grant year 3. Outreach through networking with small businesses, chambers of commerce and the community will continue to be conducted throughout the three counties listed above. Appointments for enrollment will be made through the GHP Navigators, Call Center, and local partner agencies. Appointments will be available in person, by phone, virtually or using the community kiosks located at partner sites and the GHP office to provide a variety of options by accommodating those who face barriers to accessing a computer or mobile device.
GHP's marketing efforts will continue to be conducted in a variety of ways, including but not limited to, mail (postcards), the GHP website, local health departments, 211, outreach events, flyers, brochures, social media, Google Keyword Search, media/Facebook live segments, including a Health Care Coverage Phone Bank.
GHP has 9 active full-time Navigator staff to be federally trained and certified/re-certified by October 1, 2023. Of the total number listed, 6@50% FTE, and 1@45% FTE, will be paid part-time from Navigator grant funds. Out of the 7 Navigators, 2 Navigators will be volunteers/not paid from Navigator grant funds. An additional 10 Community Health Workers (CHWs) will be trained as certified Navigators, including 9 active full-time Navigator staff, throughout open enrollment (OE), which will end on January 15, 2024, and by the end of the budget period on August 26, 2024.
All Navigators are fully certified and meet state requirements. GHP is sensitive to circumstances that may hinder an individual from enrolling or requesting help with health care coverage options. To best assist the residents of the targeted counties listed above, GHP has staff and services in place to help remove any potential barriers in accessing health care coverage.
GHP will continue to provide the following Navigator services in these counties: assist consumers with submitting ACA Marketplace applications, facilitate a selection of a Qualified Health Plan (QHP), and provide information in a manner that addresses cultural and linguistic needs and barriers. GHP will remain free of conflicts of interest during the term as Navigator and will ensure that applicants are well-informed of the functions and responsibilities of Navigators while facilitating selection of a QHP requiring each consumer to sign the Marketplace Model Authorization Form.
