Posts for Outreach and Enrollment
Outreach, Enrollment and the Affordable Care Act
Enrollment numbers can be severely impacted if a presidential administration is not supportive of expanding coverage.
How Hoosier Action is Organizing to Prepare for the End of the Public Health Emergency
This blog details several of Hoosier Action’s strategies to pressure Indiana to develop comprehensive, equitable plans for addressing the end of the public health emergency.
New Year, New MCO Dashboards (Would be Nice!)
The following recommendations, based on our research, information from other experts, and conversations with advocates, would make MCO data on any Medicaid website more accessible and user-friendly.
Planning for the End of the Public Health Emergency: Massachusetts Invests in Community Outreach
As we individually reflect and reevaluate at the turn of the year, so too must states in regard to their plans for unwinding the COVID-19 public health emergency and corresponding Medicaid protections.
The Time is Now to Help Medicaid Enrollees Prepare for the End of the Public Health Emergency
Planning for the end of the public health emergency and what it means for people in their states.
Life After COVID: CMS Guidance Addresses Advocate Concerns About the End of the Public Health Emergency
The official end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) remains unclear, but some states are already either planning for or taking actions regarding Medicaid enrollment.
Linking Lack of Medicaid Expansion to Increased Medical Debt – An Unsurprising Connection, An Opportunity to Address It
In addition to missing out on the benefits of Medicaid, individuals in states that have not expanded Medicaid also suffer more financially and accrue more debt than their counterparts in expansion states.
Larger ACA Premium Subsidies Are Covering Millions More: Here’s How Congress Can Make Them Permanent
Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, more than 2 million people have signed up for ACA Coverage or Medicaid. Unfortunately, these changes expire in two years.
Momentum for Dental Coverage Grows with Proposed Medicaid Dental Benefit Act in Congress
Dental coverage is having a moment, both in state governments and at the federal level. This week, Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA-44) announced the introduction of a new bill, the Medicaid Dental Benefit Act.
Doggett Kicks off Legislative Efforts to Close the Medicaid Gap
We commend Rep. Doggett for his commitment to closing the Medicaid coverage gap, but we believe that this proposal could present challenges to the implementation of Medicaid expansion and leave consumers confused about who is covered.
The American Jobs Plan Includes Important Steps Forward for Home and Community-Based Services
Within the American Families Plan is $400 billion to improve HCBS and extend Medicaid’s Money Follows the Person program that allows people with disabilities to live independently and older adults to age in place.
Top Five Things to Ensure the Success of the American Rescue Plan Act
The American Rescue Plan Act funding is an exciting opportunity to advance health equity and racial justice, specifically by investing in communities.
It’s Far Past Time: New Medicaid Federal Funding Renews Urgency in Non-Expansion States
Medicaid expansion is an urgent issue of health and racial justice. If all 12 of the remaining states expand, 4 million more Americans will be eligible for health coverage, 60 percent of whom are people of color.
New Opportunity to Enroll in Health Insurance In 2021
On Thursday, January 28, President Biden signed several executive orders intended to boost Americans’ access to quality, affordable health care, including by strenghtening the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid.
Getting Ready for the Next Chapter in the Fight to Save Health Care
Millions of people who depend on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for their coverage – are nervously awaiting a ruling from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on the health care repeal lawsuit.
Final Push for 2019 Open Enrollment for ACA Marketplaces
With only a few days until the end of the sixth open enrollment period (OE6), we want to emphasize the importance of spreading the word about Marketplace enrollment.
Final Short-Term Plan Rule is Latest Piece in the Health Care Sabotage Puzzle
On Wednesday, the Trump administration released a final rule that will expand the availability of short-term health plans.
Health Coverage is a Lifesaver for Families, Navigators Throw the Lifebuoy
With the federal open enrollment period coming to a close this Friday, December 15, we still don’t know what the next year (or even the next month) will bring for health care, even as we see each and every day what...
New Analysis Shows that Marketplace Plans Continue to Be Better Than Ever for Transgender People
As we near the end of this year’s open enrollment period (the final deadline is December 15th!), we’re happy to report that marketplace plans at HealthCare.gov continue to be better than ever for transgender people.
In-Person Assistance Slashed Across Country: Consumers in South and Midwest Hit the Hardest
On Thursday, September 14, the Trump Administration dealt many Navigator programs across the country a lethal blow by sending funding announcements, many with substantial cuts, to the organizations that provide in-person assistance to consumers in federally facilitated marketplaces (FFMs). This...
New Research Confirms Coverage For Parents Has Rolled Out “Welcome Mat” to Enrollment For Their Kids
New research confirms what we’ve known all along – the Affordable Care Act (ACA) improves the lives of families. According to a recent Health Affairs analysis, over 700,000 children who were eligible for Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)...
How Will the “Young Invincibles” Fare Without the ACA? They’ll Have to Become Entirely Invincible…
What young adults stand to lose with the ACA opposition plan of repeal and delay >>
Serving Those Who’ve Served: Close the Coverage Gap for Uninsured Veterans
On November 11, many of us will gather to mark Veterans Day and to honor the courageous individuals who have served our country.
Four Reasons Why Consumers Will Find Affordable Health Insurance in the Marketplaces
This blog was originally posted on the Families USA website. The uninsured rate is at an all-time low, as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made it possible for 20 million, and counting, to get covered and stay covered. However,...
Connecticut’s Summer Slog
Transitioning between Medicaid and Marketplace coverage can create health care potholes for consumers, placing them in harm’s way. Transitioning coverage can be further complicated by challenges with health literacy and health insurance literacy
My Day in Columbia, Missouri
It was a beautiful spring day to be in a conference room, but inside, people’s energy did not wane. I felt like I was in a room of scientists – listening to presentations, brainstorming ideas, evaluating new approaches – all...
The Takeaway: Gun Violence is a Public Health Issue. Time for Congress to Treat it Like One
Gun violence in the US seems to have reached epidemic proportions averaging at least one mass shooting per day in 2015. According to OECD data 87 percent of the children in the developed world who die from gun violence live in the...
Helping Women Learn How to Navigate Health Insurance
Just in time for this open enrollment period, there’s a great new tool to help women get started using their health insurance.
UnitedHealth Feeling the Pain of Being Late to the Party
UnitedHealth’s recent fretting about their plans in ACA marketplaces not boosting their bottom line as much as they had hoped and open pondering of pulling out of marketplaces next year (while actually expanding this year) is disappointing in the attention...
Three Year Navigator Grants Expand Scope to Reach Remaining Uninsured
On Wednesday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the Navigator grant recipients for the 2015-2018 open enrollment periods.
Washington Uninsured Rates Among Lowest in the Nation with New Medicaid Options
Before new coverage options under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) rolled out in October of 2013, Washington CAN! mobilized to make sure the state accepted federal funds to cover low-income adults through Medicaid.
New rules on Special Enrollment Periods give consumers more flexibility to get covered
Once open enrollment ends a person can only join a Marketplace health plan, or change to a different one, if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
VITA Volunteering: A First-Hand Glimpse Into the Intersection of the ACA and Taxes
This year my tax season did not start and end, as it typically does, with the latest Turbo Tax software and single W-2 form. Instead the season began a lot earlier and revolved around a trio of brand new Affordable Care Act tax forms.
The ACA Is About People, Not Politics
Over the past five years, we have watched the Affordable Care Act go from a hotly contested piece of legislation to a hotly contested law that, despite non-stop efforts to undermine it, has given millions of American’s access to health care.
Happy Fifth Birthday, ACA!
The passage of the ACA was a monumental achievement for individuals and organizations across the country. We continue to be incredibly proud of all our state partners who have worked tirelessly to implement the law.
Health Equity In Focus: Outreach and Education Come First in Bhutanese Refugee Community
Nearly a year ago, a new partnership was formed to promote outreach and enrollment opportunities for the Bhutanese community in Georgia.
A Day in the Life: Helping People Stay Covered Through Economic Ups and Downs
Navigators, assisters, and certified application counselors are the unbiased people who are there helping consumers understand the new insurance options available to them. We want to elevate their voices to share the experience of enrolling people.
Telling the consumer assistance story: Evaluation of outreach and enrollment efforts
Health Care for All is strongly committed to outreach efforts across the state. As outreach workers, we often hear the question: “What strategy or activity is the most effective in enrolling folks in coverage?” The answer is: everything, all the time.
A Day in the Life: Helping LGBT Consumers Enroll in New Hampshire
Navigators, assisters, and certified application counselors are the unbiased people who are there helping consumers understand what the Affordable Care Act means for them and the new insurance options available to them through the law. We want to elevate their...
So long, farewell. But first, a few of my favorite things.
As our Senior Policy Analyst wraps up her 8 years at Community Catalyst, here are her reflections as well as hopes for the future.
Health Insurance Never Sounded So Good!
The holiday season brings many traditions to look forward to, such as spending time with family and exchanging gifts. There are also some less-favored traditions, though, such as the deluge of holiday-themed advertisements.
Boosting Latino Coverage: Strategies for Open Enrollment 2.0
With open enrollment in full swing, consumer health advocates are ramping up their outreach to diverse populations that continue to have disproportionately high rates of uninsurance. Latinos in particular are more likely to be uninsured, with one in three Latinos...
Thanksgiving Reflections: Open Enrollment and Children's Health
As consumer health advocates celebrated Thanksgiving last week, we had much to be thankful for. As we ate our turkey, we were thankful not only for friends, family and good health, but also for millions of Americans enrolling in health coverage.
We’re Calling the Play: Ready, Set, Enroll!
The Affordable Care Act’s second open enrollment period starts tomorrow! On Saturday, November 15, millions of Americans can begin enrolling in and renewing their quality, affordable health coverage through the Marketplaces.
50 State Report: Let’s keep fighting for children’s coverage
Following years of decline, uninsurance rate for children are holding steady, according to a report that Georgetown Center for Children and Families released today. Their annual 50-state report provides a detailed picture of kids’ coverage at the state and national...
From Connecticut to the Capitol: A Consumer Focus
As Kevin Counihan takes the reigns as the “Obamacare CEO” of HealthCare.gov and as we all gear up for open enrollment, Community Catalyst hopes that HealthCare.Gov will run as smoothly this year as AccessHealthCT did under Counihan’s leadership.
Making it Matter: Supporting LGBT Seniors through Health Care Reform Initiatives
As Community Catalyst’s Health Equity summer intern, I got to spend some time chatting with Linda Ellis of Georgia’s The Health Initiative about why closing the coverage gap in Georgia, and other states that have yet to expand Medicaid is...
Navigator Grant Recipients for 2014: New Recipients Have Strengths in Reaching the Remaining Uninsured
On Monday, the Department of Health and Human Services released Navigator grant recipients for the 2014 open enrollment period.
How state-based advocates made open enrollment a success
Last week was all about outreach and enrollment and talking up the success of consumer advocates’ work during the first ACA open enrollment period.
Cross-Post: Creating unlikely partnerships to improve the health of diverse older adults
This blog was originally posted by the Diverse Elders Coalition here. Community Catalyst and the Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC) are thrilled to announce the launch of two new partnerships on the ground in New Mexico and Georgia. The unlikely partnerships will facilitate the...
Recognizing National Foster Care Month
May is National Foster Care Month, and it is a great time to reflect on the unique health needs of youth who are or have been in foster care and how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) helps to support these...
Health Equity in Focus: Taking a Closer Look—Successful enrollment strategies in New Jersey
In New Jersey, the final enrollment numbers attest to the coordinated efforts enrollment specialists and consumer health advocates activated across the Garden State. With more than 162,000 New Jerseyans enrolled in the Marketplace in this first open enrollment period, and...
The ACA’s Success is Bigger Than Enrollment
The end of the first open enrollment period has brought with it some great news – more than 8 million individuals have enrolled in Marketplace plans since October 2013, and more than 4 million individuals gained coverage through Medicaid and...
Schools don’t have to be experts- Just be ALL IN
This entry was originally posted on the California Coverage & Health Intiatives blog. The idea that schools are a link to successful children and families is not new. Growing up, my parents received all types of information from my school...
Alabama students take the lead with Bama Covered
Dev’on Cross was six when his mother was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis. Years later, Dev’on experienced his own set of health problems, including corneal eye ulcers, brain cysts, deafness in his left ear, and two bouts of pneumonia....
Enrollment is Closed (Sort of); Now What?
First, congratulate yourselves and each other After a horrific start in much of the country, with not only the federal marketplace but also many states as well failing to perform, the first ACA open enrollment period finished on a strong...
A Day in the Life: One Navigator's Experience in Kansas
Navigators, assisters, and certified application counselors are the unbiased people who are there helping consumers understand what the Affordable Care Act means for them and the new insurance options available to them through the law. We want to elevate their...
A Day in the Life: One Navigator's Experience in Austin, TX
Navigators, assisters, and certified application counselors are the unbiased people who are there helping consumers understand what the Affordable Care Act means for them and the new insurance options available to them through the law. We want to elevate their...
This Shout Out goes to... the Health Council of South Florida
Earlier this month, First Lady Michelle Obama visited the Health Council of South Florida (HCSF), one of Community Catalyst’s advocate partners that is helping uninsured Floridians enroll in needed coverage. The Department of Health and Human Services asked HCSF to...
A Day in the Life: One Navigator’s Experience in Bedford County, PA
Navigators, assisters, and certified application counselors are the unbiased people who are there helping consumers understand what the Affordable Care Act means for them and the new insurance options available to them through the law. We want to elevate their...
"Show Me State" Enrollers Show Us How Enrollment Gets Done
Since October, more than 5 million people nationwide have enrolled in health insurance through Marketplaces. This could not have happened without the help of thousands of Certified Application Counselors (CACs). Last week, I had the good fortune of spending a...
Restrictive State Laws Seek to Throw Navigators off Course
As March 31 approaches, signaling the end of ACA open enrollment in Marketplaces until fall of this year, in-person assistance programs are of critical importance. Navigators and other enrollment assisters have been working hard across the country to help consumers...
Health Equity in Focus: Overcoming Enrollment Challenges: Tips for Connecting with Communities of Color
Last year we brought you the Ten Tips for Engaging Communities of Color in Policy Change after meeting with advocates. This year advocates from around the country shared their successes and challenges as they moved through the enrollment period. As...
More Work to Be Done: Culturally Competent LGBT Enrollment Practices
January’s enrollment updates tell us that the total number of those enrolled in Marketplace health insurance coverage hovers above two million. Another 3.9 million individuals have been determined eligible for state Medicaid and CHIP programs. And we know that more...
Say What You Want To Say
Federal Court in Missouri suspends state laws to regulate federally approved counsellors helping consumers enroll in the federal Marketplace
Outreach Lessons from the States: Missouri’s Tapping into Provider Potential
With the deadline to enroll in federal and state marketplaces (for coverage beginning January 1, 2014) approaching on December 23rd, we know that our partners are working tirelessly to reach out to and enroll consumers in health coverage. In recognition of this...
Outreach Lessons from the States: Mobile Technology Helps Consumers Connect
With the deadline to enroll in federal and state marketplaces (for coverage beginning January 1, 2014) approaching on December 23rd, we know that our partners are working tirelessly to reach out to and enroll consumers in health coverage. In recognition of this...
Outreach Lessons From the States: Using video to your advantage!
With the deadline to enroll in federal and state marketplaces (for coverage beginning January 1, 2014) approaching on December 23rd, we know that our partners are working tirelessly to reach out to and enroll consumers in health coverage. In recognition of this...
Outreach Lessons From the States: Veterans Protected Our Country, Now They’re Promoting Our Health!
With the deadline to enroll in federal and state marketplaces (for coverage beginning January 1, 2014) approaching on December 23rd, we know that our partners are working tirelessly to reach out to and enroll consumers in health coverage. In recognition of this...
Outreach Lessons from the States: Pennsylvania Is Earning Dividends from a Good Investment
With the deadline to enroll in federal and state marketplaces (for coverage beginning January 1, 2014) approaching on December 23rd, we know that our partners are working tirelessly to reach out to and enroll consumers in health coverage. In recognition of this...
Speaker Boehner’s Health Care Woes Were Created by the ACA’s Opponents
On Monday, Politico came out with a story about how Speaker John Boehner and his wife were going to have to pay higher costs as a result of the Affordable Care Act.
Health Equity in Focus: Equality in Coverage: Getting 293,932 LGBT Georgians Health Care
To celebrate National Coming Out Day we wanted to showcase the partnership Georgians for a Healthy Future and Georgia Equality have formed over the past year to advance access to health care for the state’s nearly 300,000 LGBT citizens.
It’s a New Ballgame
As baseball season enters its homestretch, a new season is about to kick off in health care as open enrollment through Obamacare begins for the first time.
The Latest Scoop on Enrollment: Broker Regulations
As open enrollment approaches, consumers will need accurate information to choose the right health plan. The Affordable Care Act provides assistance to consumers in a variety of flavors.
Cross post: Competition And Transparency Bring down Health Insurance Costs—Here’s The Proof
As we near open enrollment in new health plans, all eyes are on insurance premiums and the rates they are based on. Industry-backed sources have been fueling the media with doomsday scenarios about cost increases due to the ACA.
Health Equity in Focus: It’s a New Day for Health Care in New Mexico!
This is a guest post by Joe Martinez, Consumer Outreach Coordinator for Health Action New Mexico. Be sure to check out HANM’s blog for more coverage of their work.
Making Medicaid Enrollment Easier -- for People and for States
Advocates, stakeholders, federal and state governments are busy planning strategies for enrolling millions of newly eligible people into health coverage in 2014. But last week, CMS quietly released guidance that could lighten the load on everyone.
Outreach, Enrollment and the Affordable Care Act
Enrollment numbers can be severely impacted if a presidential administration is not supportive of expanding coverage.
How Hoosier Action is Organizing to Prepare for the End of the Public Health Emergency
This blog details several of Hoosier Action’s strategies to pressure Indiana to develop comprehensive, equitable plans for addressing the end of the public health emergency.
New Year, New MCO Dashboards (Would be Nice!)
The following recommendations, based on our research, information from other experts, and conversations with advocates, would make MCO data on any Medicaid website more accessible and user-friendly.
Planning for the End of the Public Health Emergency: Massachusetts Invests in Community Outreach
As we individually reflect and reevaluate at the turn of the year, so too must states in regard to their plans for unwinding the COVID-19 public health emergency and corresponding Medicaid protections.
The Time is Now to Help Medicaid Enrollees Prepare for the End of the Public Health Emergency
Planning for the end of the public health emergency and what it means for people in their states.
Life After COVID: CMS Guidance Addresses Advocate Concerns About the End of the Public Health Emergency
The official end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) remains unclear, but some states are already either planning for or taking actions regarding Medicaid enrollment.
Linking Lack of Medicaid Expansion to Increased Medical Debt – An Unsurprising Connection, An Opportunity to Address It
In addition to missing out on the benefits of Medicaid, individuals in states that have not expanded Medicaid also suffer more financially and accrue more debt than their counterparts in expansion states.
Larger ACA Premium Subsidies Are Covering Millions More: Here’s How Congress Can Make Them Permanent
Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, more than 2 million people have signed up for ACA Coverage or Medicaid. Unfortunately, these changes expire in two years.
Momentum for Dental Coverage Grows with Proposed Medicaid Dental Benefit Act in Congress
Dental coverage is having a moment, both in state governments and at the federal level. This week, Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA-44) announced the introduction of a new bill, the Medicaid Dental Benefit Act.
Doggett Kicks off Legislative Efforts to Close the Medicaid Gap
We commend Rep. Doggett for his commitment to closing the Medicaid coverage gap, but we believe that this proposal could present challenges to the implementation of Medicaid expansion and leave consumers confused about who is covered.
The American Jobs Plan Includes Important Steps Forward for Home and Community-Based Services
Within the American Families Plan is $400 billion to improve HCBS and extend Medicaid’s Money Follows the Person program that allows people with disabilities to live independently and older adults to age in place.
Top Five Things to Ensure the Success of the American Rescue Plan Act
The American Rescue Plan Act funding is an exciting opportunity to advance health equity and racial justice, specifically by investing in communities.
It’s Far Past Time: New Medicaid Federal Funding Renews Urgency in Non-Expansion States
Medicaid expansion is an urgent issue of health and racial justice. If all 12 of the remaining states expand, 4 million more Americans will be eligible for health coverage, 60 percent of whom are people of color.
New Opportunity to Enroll in Health Insurance In 2021
On Thursday, January 28, President Biden signed several executive orders intended to boost Americans’ access to quality, affordable health care, including by strenghtening the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid.
Getting Ready for the Next Chapter in the Fight to Save Health Care
Millions of people who depend on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for their coverage – are nervously awaiting a ruling from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on the health care repeal lawsuit.
Final Push for 2019 Open Enrollment for ACA Marketplaces
With only a few days until the end of the sixth open enrollment period (OE6), we want to emphasize the importance of spreading the word about Marketplace enrollment.
Final Short-Term Plan Rule is Latest Piece in the Health Care Sabotage Puzzle
On Wednesday, the Trump administration released a final rule that will expand the availability of short-term health plans.
Health Coverage is a Lifesaver for Families, Navigators Throw the Lifebuoy
With the federal open enrollment period coming to a close this Friday, December 15, we still don’t know what the next year (or even the next month) will bring for health care, even as we see each and every day what...
New Analysis Shows that Marketplace Plans Continue to Be Better Than Ever for Transgender People
As we near the end of this year’s open enrollment period (the final deadline is December 15th!), we’re happy to report that marketplace plans at HealthCare.gov continue to be better than ever for transgender people.
In-Person Assistance Slashed Across Country: Consumers in South and Midwest Hit the Hardest
On Thursday, September 14, the Trump Administration dealt many Navigator programs across the country a lethal blow by sending funding announcements, many with substantial cuts, to the organizations that provide in-person assistance to consumers in federally facilitated marketplaces (FFMs). This...
New Research Confirms Coverage For Parents Has Rolled Out “Welcome Mat” to Enrollment For Their Kids
New research confirms what we’ve known all along – the Affordable Care Act (ACA) improves the lives of families. According to a recent Health Affairs analysis, over 700,000 children who were eligible for Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)...
How Will the “Young Invincibles” Fare Without the ACA? They’ll Have to Become Entirely Invincible…
What young adults stand to lose with the ACA opposition plan of repeal and delay >>
Serving Those Who’ve Served: Close the Coverage Gap for Uninsured Veterans
On November 11, many of us will gather to mark Veterans Day and to honor the courageous individuals who have served our country.
Four Reasons Why Consumers Will Find Affordable Health Insurance in the Marketplaces
This blog was originally posted on the Families USA website. The uninsured rate is at an all-time low, as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made it possible for 20 million, and counting, to get covered and stay covered. However,...
Connecticut’s Summer Slog
Transitioning between Medicaid and Marketplace coverage can create health care potholes for consumers, placing them in harm’s way. Transitioning coverage can be further complicated by challenges with health literacy and health insurance literacy
My Day in Columbia, Missouri
It was a beautiful spring day to be in a conference room, but inside, people’s energy did not wane. I felt like I was in a room of scientists – listening to presentations, brainstorming ideas, evaluating new approaches – all...
The Takeaway: Gun Violence is a Public Health Issue. Time for Congress to Treat it Like One
Gun violence in the US seems to have reached epidemic proportions averaging at least one mass shooting per day in 2015. According to OECD data 87 percent of the children in the developed world who die from gun violence live in the...
Helping Women Learn How to Navigate Health Insurance
Just in time for this open enrollment period, there’s a great new tool to help women get started using their health insurance.
UnitedHealth Feeling the Pain of Being Late to the Party
UnitedHealth’s recent fretting about their plans in ACA marketplaces not boosting their bottom line as much as they had hoped and open pondering of pulling out of marketplaces next year (while actually expanding this year) is disappointing in the attention...
Three Year Navigator Grants Expand Scope to Reach Remaining Uninsured
On Wednesday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the Navigator grant recipients for the 2015-2018 open enrollment periods.
Washington Uninsured Rates Among Lowest in the Nation with New Medicaid Options
Before new coverage options under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) rolled out in October of 2013, Washington CAN! mobilized to make sure the state accepted federal funds to cover low-income adults through Medicaid.
New rules on Special Enrollment Periods give consumers more flexibility to get covered
Once open enrollment ends a person can only join a Marketplace health plan, or change to a different one, if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
VITA Volunteering: A First-Hand Glimpse Into the Intersection of the ACA and Taxes
This year my tax season did not start and end, as it typically does, with the latest Turbo Tax software and single W-2 form. Instead the season began a lot earlier and revolved around a trio of brand new Affordable Care Act tax forms.
The ACA Is About People, Not Politics
Over the past five years, we have watched the Affordable Care Act go from a hotly contested piece of legislation to a hotly contested law that, despite non-stop efforts to undermine it, has given millions of American’s access to health care.
Happy Fifth Birthday, ACA!
The passage of the ACA was a monumental achievement for individuals and organizations across the country. We continue to be incredibly proud of all our state partners who have worked tirelessly to implement the law.
Health Equity In Focus: Outreach and Education Come First in Bhutanese Refugee Community
Nearly a year ago, a new partnership was formed to promote outreach and enrollment opportunities for the Bhutanese community in Georgia.
A Day in the Life: Helping People Stay Covered Through Economic Ups and Downs
Navigators, assisters, and certified application counselors are the unbiased people who are there helping consumers understand the new insurance options available to them. We want to elevate their voices to share the experience of enrolling people.
Telling the consumer assistance story: Evaluation of outreach and enrollment efforts
Health Care for All is strongly committed to outreach efforts across the state. As outreach workers, we often hear the question: “What strategy or activity is the most effective in enrolling folks in coverage?” The answer is: everything, all the time.
A Day in the Life: Helping LGBT Consumers Enroll in New Hampshire
Navigators, assisters, and certified application counselors are the unbiased people who are there helping consumers understand what the Affordable Care Act means for them and the new insurance options available to them through the law. We want to elevate their...
So long, farewell. But first, a few of my favorite things.
As our Senior Policy Analyst wraps up her 8 years at Community Catalyst, here are her reflections as well as hopes for the future.
Health Insurance Never Sounded So Good!
The holiday season brings many traditions to look forward to, such as spending time with family and exchanging gifts. There are also some less-favored traditions, though, such as the deluge of holiday-themed advertisements.
Boosting Latino Coverage: Strategies for Open Enrollment 2.0
With open enrollment in full swing, consumer health advocates are ramping up their outreach to diverse populations that continue to have disproportionately high rates of uninsurance. Latinos in particular are more likely to be uninsured, with one in three Latinos...
Thanksgiving Reflections: Open Enrollment and Children's Health
As consumer health advocates celebrated Thanksgiving last week, we had much to be thankful for. As we ate our turkey, we were thankful not only for friends, family and good health, but also for millions of Americans enrolling in health coverage.
We’re Calling the Play: Ready, Set, Enroll!
The Affordable Care Act’s second open enrollment period starts tomorrow! On Saturday, November 15, millions of Americans can begin enrolling in and renewing their quality, affordable health coverage through the Marketplaces.
50 State Report: Let’s keep fighting for children’s coverage
Following years of decline, uninsurance rate for children are holding steady, according to a report that Georgetown Center for Children and Families released today. Their annual 50-state report provides a detailed picture of kids’ coverage at the state and national...
From Connecticut to the Capitol: A Consumer Focus
As Kevin Counihan takes the reigns as the “Obamacare CEO” of HealthCare.gov and as we all gear up for open enrollment, Community Catalyst hopes that HealthCare.Gov will run as smoothly this year as AccessHealthCT did under Counihan’s leadership.
Making it Matter: Supporting LGBT Seniors through Health Care Reform Initiatives
As Community Catalyst’s Health Equity summer intern, I got to spend some time chatting with Linda Ellis of Georgia’s The Health Initiative about why closing the coverage gap in Georgia, and other states that have yet to expand Medicaid is...
Navigator Grant Recipients for 2014: New Recipients Have Strengths in Reaching the Remaining Uninsured
On Monday, the Department of Health and Human Services released Navigator grant recipients for the 2014 open enrollment period.
How state-based advocates made open enrollment a success
Last week was all about outreach and enrollment and talking up the success of consumer advocates’ work during the first ACA open enrollment period.
Cross-Post: Creating unlikely partnerships to improve the health of diverse older adults
This blog was originally posted by the Diverse Elders Coalition here. Community Catalyst and the Diverse Elders Coalition (DEC) are thrilled to announce the launch of two new partnerships on the ground in New Mexico and Georgia. The unlikely partnerships will facilitate the...
Recognizing National Foster Care Month
May is National Foster Care Month, and it is a great time to reflect on the unique health needs of youth who are or have been in foster care and how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) helps to support these...
Health Equity in Focus: Taking a Closer Look—Successful enrollment strategies in New Jersey
In New Jersey, the final enrollment numbers attest to the coordinated efforts enrollment specialists and consumer health advocates activated across the Garden State. With more than 162,000 New Jerseyans enrolled in the Marketplace in this first open enrollment period, and...
The ACA’s Success is Bigger Than Enrollment
The end of the first open enrollment period has brought with it some great news – more than 8 million individuals have enrolled in Marketplace plans since October 2013, and more than 4 million individuals gained coverage through Medicaid and...
Schools don’t have to be experts- Just be ALL IN
This entry was originally posted on the California Coverage & Health Intiatives blog. The idea that schools are a link to successful children and families is not new. Growing up, my parents received all types of information from my school...
Alabama students take the lead with Bama Covered
Dev’on Cross was six when his mother was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis. Years later, Dev’on experienced his own set of health problems, including corneal eye ulcers, brain cysts, deafness in his left ear, and two bouts of pneumonia....
Enrollment is Closed (Sort of); Now What?
First, congratulate yourselves and each other After a horrific start in much of the country, with not only the federal marketplace but also many states as well failing to perform, the first ACA open enrollment period finished on a strong...
A Day in the Life: One Navigator's Experience in Kansas
Navigators, assisters, and certified application counselors are the unbiased people who are there helping consumers understand what the Affordable Care Act means for them and the new insurance options available to them through the law. We want to elevate their...
A Day in the Life: One Navigator's Experience in Austin, TX
Navigators, assisters, and certified application counselors are the unbiased people who are there helping consumers understand what the Affordable Care Act means for them and the new insurance options available to them through the law. We want to elevate their...
This Shout Out goes to... the Health Council of South Florida
Earlier this month, First Lady Michelle Obama visited the Health Council of South Florida (HCSF), one of Community Catalyst’s advocate partners that is helping uninsured Floridians enroll in needed coverage. The Department of Health and Human Services asked HCSF to...
A Day in the Life: One Navigator’s Experience in Bedford County, PA
Navigators, assisters, and certified application counselors are the unbiased people who are there helping consumers understand what the Affordable Care Act means for them and the new insurance options available to them through the law. We want to elevate their...
"Show Me State" Enrollers Show Us How Enrollment Gets Done
Since October, more than 5 million people nationwide have enrolled in health insurance through Marketplaces. This could not have happened without the help of thousands of Certified Application Counselors (CACs). Last week, I had the good fortune of spending a...
Restrictive State Laws Seek to Throw Navigators off Course
As March 31 approaches, signaling the end of ACA open enrollment in Marketplaces until fall of this year, in-person assistance programs are of critical importance. Navigators and other enrollment assisters have been working hard across the country to help consumers...
Health Equity in Focus: Overcoming Enrollment Challenges: Tips for Connecting with Communities of Color
Last year we brought you the Ten Tips for Engaging Communities of Color in Policy Change after meeting with advocates. This year advocates from around the country shared their successes and challenges as they moved through the enrollment period. As...
More Work to Be Done: Culturally Competent LGBT Enrollment Practices
January’s enrollment updates tell us that the total number of those enrolled in Marketplace health insurance coverage hovers above two million. Another 3.9 million individuals have been determined eligible for state Medicaid and CHIP programs. And we know that more...
Say What You Want To Say
Federal Court in Missouri suspends state laws to regulate federally approved counsellors helping consumers enroll in the federal Marketplace
Outreach Lessons from the States: Missouri’s Tapping into Provider Potential
With the deadline to enroll in federal and state marketplaces (for coverage beginning January 1, 2014) approaching on December 23rd, we know that our partners are working tirelessly to reach out to and enroll consumers in health coverage. In recognition of this...
Outreach Lessons from the States: Mobile Technology Helps Consumers Connect
With the deadline to enroll in federal and state marketplaces (for coverage beginning January 1, 2014) approaching on December 23rd, we know that our partners are working tirelessly to reach out to and enroll consumers in health coverage. In recognition of this...
Outreach Lessons From the States: Using video to your advantage!
With the deadline to enroll in federal and state marketplaces (for coverage beginning January 1, 2014) approaching on December 23rd, we know that our partners are working tirelessly to reach out to and enroll consumers in health coverage. In recognition of this...
Outreach Lessons From the States: Veterans Protected Our Country, Now They’re Promoting Our Health!
With the deadline to enroll in federal and state marketplaces (for coverage beginning January 1, 2014) approaching on December 23rd, we know that our partners are working tirelessly to reach out to and enroll consumers in health coverage. In recognition of this...
Outreach Lessons from the States: Pennsylvania Is Earning Dividends from a Good Investment
With the deadline to enroll in federal and state marketplaces (for coverage beginning January 1, 2014) approaching on December 23rd, we know that our partners are working tirelessly to reach out to and enroll consumers in health coverage. In recognition of this...
Speaker Boehner’s Health Care Woes Were Created by the ACA’s Opponents
On Monday, Politico came out with a story about how Speaker John Boehner and his wife were going to have to pay higher costs as a result of the Affordable Care Act.
Health Equity in Focus: Equality in Coverage: Getting 293,932 LGBT Georgians Health Care
To celebrate National Coming Out Day we wanted to showcase the partnership Georgians for a Healthy Future and Georgia Equality have formed over the past year to advance access to health care for the state’s nearly 300,000 LGBT citizens.
It’s a New Ballgame
As baseball season enters its homestretch, a new season is about to kick off in health care as open enrollment through Obamacare begins for the first time.
The Latest Scoop on Enrollment: Broker Regulations
As open enrollment approaches, consumers will need accurate information to choose the right health plan. The Affordable Care Act provides assistance to consumers in a variety of flavors.
Cross post: Competition And Transparency Bring down Health Insurance Costs—Here’s The Proof
As we near open enrollment in new health plans, all eyes are on insurance premiums and the rates they are based on. Industry-backed sources have been fueling the media with doomsday scenarios about cost increases due to the ACA.
Health Equity in Focus: It’s a New Day for Health Care in New Mexico!
This is a guest post by Joe Martinez, Consumer Outreach Coordinator for Health Action New Mexico. Be sure to check out HANM’s blog for more coverage of their work.
Making Medicaid Enrollment Easier -- for People and for States
Advocates, stakeholders, federal and state governments are busy planning strategies for enrolling millions of newly eligible people into health coverage in 2014. But last week, CMS quietly released guidance that could lighten the load on everyone.