Cooperative Agreement to Support Navigators in Federally-facilitated Exchanges - Bexar County Community Health Collaborative Pathway To Coverage NavigatorProgram - The Bexar County Community Health Collaborative (BCCHC), a community and consumer-focused nonprofit organization operating in Texas, launched The Health Collaborative Pathway to Coverage (THC-PC) navigator program in August 2021. THC-PC aims to enhance health equity, ensure equitable access to care, eliminate barriers to healthcare coverage, and address disparities among underserved and underrepresented communities through education, outreach, and enrollment efforts. BCCHC's mission to improve the health status of the community through collaborative means, drives its efforts to raise awareness of the Affordable Care Act and shape the goals of the THC-PC Navigator Program. This initiative guarantees that individuals have the opportunity to access health coverage regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or language. The THC-PC navigator team comprises culturally and linguistically experienced Navigators who are trusted by local communities and equipped to handle complex transitions. They specifically support individuals facing geographical or transportation barriers, those in rural areas, and those with specific needs, providing assistance in their preferred language with cultural sensitivity. Key objectives for the THC-PC program include: • Train and certify/re-certify 29 Navigators for PY 2025 by October 1, 2024. • Provide 300,000 consumers with 1:1 navigator assistance. • Assist 3,400 consumers with QHP enrollment or re-enrollment. • Assist 1,800 consumers with Medicaid/CHIP applications/referrals. • Assist 10,000 consumers with understanding the basic concepts and rights related to health coverage and how to use it. • Assist 4,500 consumers with complex cases, other Exchange (Marketplace) enrollment issues, or referrals. • Assist 12,500 consumers with Marketplace forms, exemptions, and appeals. The THC-PC program serves residents across 34 counties in Texas, including Aransas, Atascosa, Bandera, Bee, Bexar, Brooks, Caldwell, Cameron, Comal, DeWitt, Duval, Frio, Goliad, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, Kleberg, La Salle, Live Oak, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Uvalde, Willacy, Wilson, and Zavala. Targeting vulnerable populations such as underserved, uninsured, and underinsured adults, children, pregnant women, and young adults, the program is supported by a 100% bilingual team representing diverse cultural backgrounds, including Arabic, Farsi, French, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Urdu speakers. BCCHC is committed to sustaining the THC-PC Navigator program model, which includes maintaining a diverse and fully bilingual team of 29 federally certified and trained Navigators, all recertified for PY2025 by October 1. The organization continues its successful out-stationed Navigator approach, fostering robust partnerships with local health departments, trusted community leaders, and community centers. Services encompass remote and in-person assistance, enhanced by expanded social media engagement, TV and radio outreach, and presence at local faith-based organizations, hospitals, clinics, and community events. We remain dedicated to supporting individuals affected by Medicaid Unwinding and DACA individuals, ensuring smooth coverage transitions and minimizing gaps in healthcare access. Funding: Year 1- $2,890,472 Yr 2: 2,909,362 Yr 3: 2,949,242 Y4: $3,013,820 Y5: $3,080,956
