Today, CMS released the funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for a new round of navigator grants. As noted in my blog earlier this week, these grants will be awarded for a period of three years unlike annual awards in the prior two grant rounds. A total of $67 million will be awarded in the first year, up from $60 million in the last grant round. The opportunity is available in the 34 states that use the federal marketplace (FFM), including states that run state partnership marketplaces (SPM). It does not include the three states (OR, NV, NM) that are considered state-supported marketplaces, which rely on Healthcare.gov and the federal marketplace call center for eligibility and enrollment.
The 2015 FOA places a greater emphasis on re-enrollment activities and consumers enrolled in coverage through the Marketplace. Applicants are encouraged to explain how they will assist newly applicants and persons seeking to re-enroll in coverage through Marketplaces, including assisting with plan selection. This FOA also places a greater emphasis on working with underserved populations. This year applicants are encouraged to demonstrate a focus on rural, underserved, vulnerable, or special needs populations or communities, and a commitment to serve these populations or communities.
Key Dates:
- Pre-Application Webinars
- First call: Wednesday, April 29, 2015 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1061468
- Second call: Wednesday, May 6, 2015 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1061470
- Third call: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 from 11:00am-12:30 p.m. Eastern Time https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1061472
- Fourth call: Wednesday, June 3, 2015 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Eastern Time https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1061473
- Letter of Intent to Apply (required) Due: June 3, 2015
- Applications Due: June 15, 2015, by 1:00pm ET
- Anticipated Award Date: September 2, 2015
At least $600,000 in total cooperative agreement funds will be available for each FFM (including SPM) service area. Small entities and individuals proposing to serve smaller, hard-to-reach or underserved populations are encouraged to apply, particularly by partnering with other entities and/or individuals to form a consortium which serves a larger total portion of the population.
To see the FOA for the Cooperative Agreement to Support Navigators in Federally-facilitated and State Partnership Marketplaces go to Grants.gov and search for CFDA 93.332.
Applicants should keep in mind, that review of the applications includes making sure that the proposals dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s. So do follow the instructions carefully so that you don’t lose points for minor mistakes. And good luck!
