Rep. Dan Kildee Announces New Federal Grant to Help People Enroll in Affordable Health Care Coverage

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- Rep. Daniel Kildee, D-Michigan, issued the following news release:

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- $92,988 Grant Will Boost Genesee Health Plan's Efforts to Enroll Uninsured Mid-Michigan Residents in Health Plans

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Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today announced that Genesee Health Plan (GHP) received a $92,988 grant to help mid-Michigan residents gain access to health care coverage. The Navigator Cooperative Agreement Award from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will assist with health care navigation and enrollment in Genesee, Bay and Saginaw counties. GHP is one of 34 recipients nationwide and one of two organizations in Michigan to receive the grant.

"Every American should have access to quality, affordable health care. I am proud to help secure this federal grant, which will allow Genesee Health Plan to help more people get health coverage and improve the overall health of our community. In Congress, I have introduced legislation, that has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives, to increase support for health care navigator programs. Today's federal grant will further support local organizations helping to enroll people in affordable health care coverage," said Congressman Dan Kildee.

"Enrolling in health care coverage can be a confusing process and at the Genesee Health Plan, we're committed to making sure hardworking people, families and seniors know what their options are and helping them enroll in coverage that fits their needs," said Jim Milanowski, GHP president and CEO. "The CMS grant will allow us to reach populations who face barriers to enrolling in health care coverage, including those who live in Bay and Saginaw counties who no longer have a health plan like GHP."

The CMS grant will support GHP's efforts to raise awareness of health care enrollment through the Federal Health Insurance Exchange - also known as HealthCare.gov - and develop communications to reach populations with cultural or language barriers. It will also help GHP enroll underserved populations in health care including immigrants, people who are deaf or hard of hearing, employees of small businesses and small business owners, members of federally recognized tribes and returning citizens reentering the workforce.

Education and community outreach are a key parts of the project. Under this grant, GHP will launch "Get It, Know It, Use It, Keep It" - an educational campaign to help people enroll in health care coverage and educate people about what their health care coverage offers, how to use their health care coverage and receive preventive care, and how to keep their health care coverage. GHP will also leverage its community partnerships to reach more people throughout Genesee, Bay and Saginaw counties.

The CMS Navigator Cooperative Agreement Award began in 2013 as an opportunity for organizations that serve as Navigators to help individuals understand their health insurance options and to assist with enrolling in health insurance through the Federal Health Insurance Exchange. The CMS grant supports the work of organizations that offer assistance to people searching, shopping for, and enrolling in health care coverage on the Federal Health Insurance Exchange. Open Enrollment is Nov. 1 through Dec. 15.