Dear Partners

Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace is right around the corner. Starting November 1, members of your community can log in to HealthCare.gov and enroll in a 2017 health plan- and they can find in-person assistance at Findlocalhelp.healthcare.gov.; EnrollAmericaConnector; or United Way 2.1.1.

HHS Secretary Burwell announced this week that there are 10.7 million uninsuredAmericans who are eligible for Marketplace coverage with 85 percent of them eligible for financial assistance, while nearly 60 percent have incomes that would also qualify them for cost-sharing reductions in addition to tax credits.

We are eager to work with you to spread this good news. Please visit our website to review this year’s 2017 HealthCare Law Toolkit and find helpful information for helping those in your community consider their options for health insurance coverage.

Also find resources for the faith days action when we heighten our outreach with faith and community organizations to reach community members with timely and important health information. Faith Dates of Action are November 7-14, December 19-24, & January 16-29.

Many of you recognize the importance and challenge of encouraging men to sign up for affordable health insurance. Your community can also help us spread the word about the importance of men’s health and enrolling by taking a picture that weekend wearing blue and sharing your photo on social media using the hashtag #LadiesWearBlue. To support men’s health and encourage the guys in our lives to enroll, we are asking ladies to wear blue at services in faith and community settings during the weekend of November 11th through the 13th. Be sure to email us at partnerships@hhs.gov if you would like more information or check our website for updates on these efforts.

From this work to connect people to health insurance to webinars on helping vulnerable populations have access to services through mobility management, we are excited to work with you to serve your community. We hope you will join us in these efforts.

Sincerely,

Acacia Bamberg Salatti, Director

Center for Faith-based & Neighborhood Partnerships

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Webinars

Partnerships with Faith-based & Community Organizations to Support Inclusive Coordinated Transportation & Mobility Management

Tuesday, October 25 at 3:00 ET Register Here

How do we coordinate transportation options so that everyone has the ride they need? Join this webinar to consider how your community can help solve the transportation problems that keep people from jobs, healthcare, socialization, and other important destinations. Attendees will learn about strategies to reach out to faith-based and community organizations and national initiatives that can support your work, hear about partnerships that have been established with non-traditional – non-transit organizations such as religious organizations; and acquire resources regarding how to develop and sustain relationships.

The Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign: Promoting Medicaid and CHIP during Marketplace Open Enrollment

October 26 from 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. EDT Register Here

The 2017 Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment season runs from November 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017, and it is an important time of the year to enroll uninsured families. While Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollment is open year-round, families may learn about their eligibility in these programs at this time when attention to health coverage is higher. Having information about Medicaid and CHIP at the ready while conducting Marketplace outreach can connect eligible, but unenrolled children who need healthcare coverage, to vital services.

Toolkits and Resources to Prepare for Open Enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace

November 3 at 2:00 pm EDT Register Here

To join by phone only, dial: 1 (914) 614-3221, Access Code: 401-646-726, and the pound sign (#)

Open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace opened on November 1. Toolkits are available to help faith and community leaders share information on how to sign up for health insurance, why to buy health insurance and where to find local help. This complex information will be shared in a simple and understandable format. A question and answer session will take place at the end of the webinar. This webinar is sponsored by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Grant Opportunities

AWARD: Community Economic Development

Description: CED programs will allow local, nonprofit and community-development corporations to apply for up to $800,000 for commercial and retail opportunities and equity investments. Companies can also use the funding to apply for loans to start a new business or expand a current business. Read More

Grant Administered by: Administration for Children and Families

AWARD: Healthy Food Financing Initiative

Description: These grants enable local, nonprofit and community development corporations to apply for grant funding for up to $800,000 to improve access to healthy food and reduce food deserts. Awardees use the funding to develop businesses, such as grocery stores, farmers markets and food-distribution businesses that increase access to healthy food options, especially in places where access to healthy options is otherwise scarce. Read More

Grant Administered by: Administration for Children and Families