The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a cooperative agreement to support Navigators in Federally-facilitated Exchanges

The Cooperative Agreement to Support Navigators in Federally-facilitated Exchanges (Funding Opportunity) will enable recipients to operate as Exchange Navigators in states with a Federally facilitated Exchange (FFE), as authorized by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) makes grant awards to organizations who serve as Navigators in FFE states. Navigators help consumers prepare applications to establish eligibility and enroll in coverage through the Exchanges, and help determine whether consumers potentially qualify for insurance affordability programs. They also provide outreach and education to raise awareness about the Exchanges. As trusted community partners, Navigators are required to provide targeted assistance to underserved and vulnerable populations within the Exchange service area, which is critical to improving access to health care coverage for communities that often experience a disproportionate burden of disease. In furtherance of the Biden Administration’s goals on ensuring access to and expanding affordable and high-quality health care coverage and improving health equity, Navigators are well positioned to reach historically underserved and vulnerable communities, especially those who continue to face significant health disparities.

Navigators operate year-round—increasing awareness among the remaining uninsured about the coverage options available to them, helping consumers find affordable coverage that meets their needs, and assisting consumers beyond the enrollment process to ensure they’re equipped with the tools and resources needed to utilize and maintain their health coverage all year. The increased funding available to applicants through this Funding Opportunity will enable FFE Navigators to further expand their reach, with a renewed focus on outreach to diverse, underserved, and vulnerable communities.