Dear Partners

In an effort to continue to improve our communication to faith and community groups around the country, we are proud to continue to improve our communication with the shorter format of our newsletter than in the past. Our hope is that this gives you a quick insight into resources, webinars and potential grant opportunities and awards in your local community from the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

To share your efforts related to any of these important issues, please contact the HHS Partnership Center at Partnerships@hhs.gov or 202-358-3595.

Resources and Tools

Here’s some great news: Since Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace began on November 15, about 11.4 million people have explored their options, learned about the financial assistance available, and signed up for or renewed a health plan that meets their needs and fits their budget. Of the more than 8.8 million consumers who selected a plan or were automatically reenrolled 4.67 million were consumers new to the Marketplace in 2015. Did you or someone in your community gain coverage through the Affordable Care Act? Learn the next steps in using health insurance coverage!

After February 15, 2015, people can enroll in a 2015 insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace only if you have a life event that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period. Life events that may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period are listed on HealthCare.gov. There is also a new Special Enrollment Period if you paid the fee for being uninsured with your 2014 taxes. You may still be able to get 2015 coverage if you met three criteria listed on this page. This special enrollment period will start on March 15 and end on April 30, 2015.

In the same way that so many different groups worked together to help bring insurance to millions, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASFR) has worked with a wide range of organizations on the National Health Security Strategy and Implementation Plan (NHSS/IP) 2015-2018. This plan is calling everyone to action to secure health, from community organizations and academic institutions to businesses and government agencies at all levels. With the broad participation in creating the Implementation Plan, stakeholders can be confident that the recommended actions are realistic and achievable. ASPR has also released the National Health Security Review (NHSR) 2010-2014, describing the progress that the nation has made, along with its challenges, in strengthening national health security over the past four years.

Webinars

The HHS Partnership Center continues to host a series of webinars for faith and community leaders. All webinars are open to the public and include a question and answer session where you can ask HHS staff any questions you may have.

To participate in one of the webinars, please select your preferred topic from the list below and submit the necessary information.

Affordable Care Act 101 Webinars for Small Employers, Including Nonprofit Organizations:

Thursdays at 2:00, Spanish language available on Tuesdays at 4:00

Review the list to see when you can attend

Questions and Answers on Federal Taxes and Health Coverage:

Wednesday, March 11, 2015; 2:00 pm EDT Register Here

Wednesday, March 25, 2015; 2:00 pm EDT Register Here

Special Enrollment Periods and Resources for the Uninsured:

Thursday, March 12, 2015; 1:00 pm EDT Register Here

2015 Webinar Series Addressing Health Disparities through the National Prevention Strategies and Partnerships Presented by Region VIII Federal Partners: The Role of Community and Non-Profit Organizations

Thursday, March 19, 2015, 4:00 pm EDT Register Here

Cooking Matters at Home, in the Store, and in Your Food Pantry!:

Thursday, March 26, 2015; 12:20 pm EDT Register Here

No Kid Hungry: Connecting Kids to Healthy Food:

Thursday, April 2, 2015; 12:30 pm EDT Register Here

Promoting Community Health and Safety with the Medical Reserve Corps:

Thursday, April 23, 2015; 12:30 pm EDT Register Here