This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Southwestern AHEC Named Official Navigator for Access Health CT: Organization Selected to Lead Key Component of Community Outreach Effort Helping Educate, Engage and Enroll Consumers in Healthcare Coverage

Southwestern AHEC is proud to announce that it has been selected by Access Health CT to act as an official Navigator Organization in the implementation of healthcare reform in Connecticut. Access Health CT is Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace whose mission is to increase the number of Connecticut residents who are insured, lower their costs, promote health and eliminate health disparities.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires states to establish a Navigator program to educate and assist consumers with the enrollment process. Connecticut is one of the few states that have taken on the challenge of implementing the Navigator program in the first year of opening its health insurance marketplace.

The Navigator and Assister Outreach Program is the result of a unique partnership between Access Health CT and the State of Connecticut’s Office of the Healthcare Advocate (OHA). The program will play a key role in Access Health CT’s community outreach efforts and brings the ACA directly to the people. Navigators and Assisters will provide those persons requesting support enrolling in a variety of health insurance coverage options including subsidized health insurance, Medicaid and HUSKY programs.

Find out what's happening in Monroewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“The role of Navigators is integral to the success of health reform in Connecticut,” said Access Health CT CEO, Kevin Counihan. “These organizations represent some of the most sophisticated and knowledgeable outreach organizations in our state, and we are and proud and grateful to have their support.”

Navigators are based in each one of six regions of the state that will work with Access Health CT and OHA to engage consumers through providing strategic, cultural and linguistic, technical and promotional help to Assisters. Assisters are 300 individuals at community-based organizations who are doing direct outreach to consumers in all areas of the state where the uninsured live.

Find out what's happening in Monroewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Navigators will be conducting public education activities about Access Health CT and the ACA and referring consumers to the right place if they have questions or concerns. Navigators' key staff members will become certified by undergoing background checks, 40 hours of training, and passing a certification test with a score of 80% or better. They will work with community organizations and other partners to help consumers gain access to coverage.

Southwestern AHEC has been selected to represent the Fairfield County region. The Navigator organizations were selected based on several key criteria including geographic focus, population demographics and experience in healthcare outreach.

Victoria Veltri, the state’s Healthcare Advocate, is pleased with the selection of the Navigator organizations. Veltri said the organizations selected are “committed to our shared goal of ending health disparities in Connecticut.”

“We are so pleased to have been selected to participate in the Navigator program,” said Meredith Ferraro, Executive Director of Southwestern AHEC. “Our mission includes a deep commitment to our community and the people who live and work here. We are looking forward to providing one-on-one outreach to enroll as many people as possible in health insurance and improve the health of our community.”

For more information please visit www.accesshealthct.com/outreachprograms.

Southwestern Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is a 501(c)(3)non-profit organization located in Trumbull, CT. Southwestern AHEC is one of four regional centers within the Connecticut AHEC Program, which is based at the University of Connecticut, School of Medicine in Farmington. Southwestern AHEC's mission is to enhance access to quality primary and preventive healthcare in southwestern Connecticut by linking students, providers and families through education, workforce development and community collaborations.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?