Evidence-based strategies to health equity in Federal Facilitated Exchange (FFE): Michigan model for underserved vulnerable populations - The overarching goal of this proposed project is to decrease the number of uninsured individuals and improve access to and utilization of health care services among underserved vulnerable populations and ultimately promote health and well-being and decrease health disparities for left-behind populations in Michigan. Center for Health Disparities Innovations and Studies (CHDIS) at Eastern Michigan University is a nonprofit organization that adheres to the CLAS for providing effective, equitable, understandable, and respectful quality care and services in response to diverse culture, health beliefs, and practices. In this proposed Navigator program, our project team will partner with Association of Chinese Americans, Bangladesh American Public Affairs Committee, Burma Center, Philippine American Community Center of Michigan, Community Welfare Services of North Detroit, and West Michigan Asian American Association to provide targeted assistance for 1) racial and minority groups of Asian Pacific Americans (APA) and refugees, 2) pregnant women, new mothers, and women with children, 3) low income, and 4) Medicaid-eligible consumers who are not enrolled in coverage despite being eligible for Medicaid. CHDIS is requesting $944,865 in Y1, $948,598 in Y2, $957,676 in Y3, $967,068 in Y4, and $976,782 in Y5 for the duration of 5-year project period. In the cycle of FY2025-30 Navigator Program, CHDIS aims to achieve following objectives: 1) train and certify and maintain a team of bilingual experienced navigators to carry out the Navigator duties and additional requirements, 2) conduct public and in-person education to raise awareness of the availability of qualified health plans, 3) distribute fair and impartial information concerning enrollment in qualified health plans, and the availability of premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions; 4) facilitate enrollment in qualified health plans, 5) provide referrals to appropriate offices and agencies for health insurance consumer assistance and assist enrollees with issues related grievances, complaints, or questions regarding their health plan, coverage, or a determination; and 6) provide culturally and linguistically appropriate information for underserved vulnerable population served by the federally-facilitated exchange (FFE). In particular, CHDIS plans to staff 30 Navigators who will be federally trained and certified/re-certified for PY 2025 by October 1, 2024, reach 7,500 individuals in Calhoun, Kent, Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties in Michigan and focused on cities with high uninsured rates with a goal to enroll 1,950 individuals from these communities. Based on years of expertise in building community capacity and experience in providing direct services and outreach education for APA and other underserved communities in past open enrollment periods, CHDIS is well positioned to maximize the effectiveness of proposed activities by increasing leverage of shared resources in achieving maximum impact on program outcomes.
