BPHC Bulletin: HHS Special Enrollment Period Community Health Center Week of Action

The Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for individuals and families to enroll in health insurance coverage through the Federally-Facilitated Marketplace extends to Sunday, August 15. But CMS is particularly encouraging health centers to take action this week to boost enrollment. See a special message for health centers from CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure (pictured).

Here are some examples of how health centers are getting the word out about the SEP and offering enrollment assistance:

• Employing navigators and outreach and enrollment counselors dedicated to supporting patients in getting covered.
• Conducting enrollment appointments in-person, virtually, and over the phone.
• Using COVID-19 testing and vaccination events as opportunities to spread the word.
• Using their websites, social media, paid advertising, and print materials to raise awareness.

Webinar Tomorrow
Learn more at a webinar co-hosted by the National Association of Community Health Centers, a HRSA-funded National Training and Technical Assistance Partner, and Young Invincibles (not affiliated with HRSA):

Tuesday, June 22
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Register here

Speakers will discuss the importance of health center patients getting enrolled and how assisters can help. The webinar will be livestreamed on Facebook.

CMS Resources to Take Action

• Healthcare.gov SEP 2021 communication materials: Includes toolkits and flyers in multiple languages.
• Communications Toolkit for SEP Weeks of Action: Includes messaging, drop in language, fact sheets, graphics and social media.
• Technical guidance for Marketplace stakeholders.
• Requirements and Best Practices for Assisters on Providing Remote Consumer Assistance: Information for navigators and certified application counselors providing remote help securely to consumers applying for and enrolling in Marketplace coverage.
• Guidance Regarding Training, Certification, and Recertification for Navigators and Certified Application Counselors in the Federally-Facilitated Exchanges: Covers certification and training requirements for anyone in these roles.