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The REACH Foundation has released a new Request for Proposal (RFP) within the Enroll All Eligible outcome investment area to support projects within the strategy: “Navigators and other assisters and community initiatives to help eligible consumers enroll in health insurance.”
The Enrollment Assistance RFP seeks proposals that will increase enrollment for health coverage through the health insurance marketplace and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This RFP also allows for proposals that address enrollment and eligibility assistance with other publicly funded programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), Women Infants and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In addition, the foundation will consider proposals from nonprofit organizations that are working with the payer/insurance community on strategies to expand outreach and enrollment to communities with high uninsurance rates. The RFP does not include enrollment assistance related to Medicare unless it is part of a larger consumer assistance program. Furthermore, the foundation will award grants to organizations that demonstrate a strong history of service to, and experience with, disconnected and vulnerable populations in the REACH six-county service area.
The RFP builds on prior REACH grants to support the use of trained navigators and assisters, marketing and outreach activities to increase awareness about health insurance options and other public benefits and connect consumers with knowledgeable and timely assistance.
“Enrollment assisters play a critical role in making sure people have a full understanding of their coverage options, and how to qualify and use their benefits once they are enrolled,” said Brenda Sharpe, REACH Foundation president and CEO. “The complex language of insurance coverage and application information can present enormous challenges for individuals with limited English language as well as those who have little experience with these types of programs – such that many qualified individuals are not able to take advantage of these benefits without help.”
Other barriers to health insurance and public benefit programs include lack of translated outreach, application and redetermination materials, lack of bilingual outreach workers and the stigma associated with receiving public assistance. Additionally, federal support for outreach and enrollment assistance and marketing has been reduced in recent years.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Review the Enrollment Assistance RFP for an explanation of the proposal requirements, eligibility criteria and the application process. Applicants are asked to describe how their organization’s enrollment assistance project will address common barriers and increase enrollment. The link to the application form can be found in the RFP. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 1, 2018, by 4:00 p.m.
