WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Subcommittee on Health Care, today announced more than $642,000 in federal funding for organizations in West Virginia to help West Virginians learn about their new coverage options and enroll in health care plans under the Health Insurance Marketplace (formerly known as “Exchanges”) established under the Affordable Care Act.
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“All West Virginians deserve access to affordable health care coverage, which is why giving them the tools to make informed decisions about their coverage is so important,” said Rockefeller. “This funding will give West Virginians the opportunity to sit down with real experts to select a health care plan that best meets their needs and the needs of their families. Navigating health care coverage can be tough—but these awards will make it much easier for families to sign up for coverage through the new Health Insurance Marketplace.”
The organizations will serve as “navigators” for West Virginians looking for health care coverage. The organizations will provide one-on-one guidance and unbiased information on the Health Insurance Marketplace, health care coverage, and public programs like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
The funding comes from the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS). The below amounts were awarded to the following organizations:
- $365,758 – West Virginia Parent Training and Information – West Virginia Parent Training and Information will help the uninsured get coverage, and will specifically reach out to people with disabilities, people with limited literacy or English proficiency, low-income individuals, and people in rural areas to help them obtain coverage.
- $276,617 – Advance Patient Advocacy – Advance Patient Advocacy will work with West Virginia medical centers to identify uninsured individuals and assist them in making informed decisions about their health care coverage.