September 9, 2014
Cheyenne, WY—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the Wyoming Institute of Population Health a $465,000 Navigator grant to inform Wyoming residents about healthcare coverage available through the federal healthcare marketplace. This is the second year the Institute’s Enroll Wyoming program has been awarded a federal grant to help with outreach across the state.
“Navigators provide valuable in-person assistance to consumers who want to know more about the coverage provided through the healthcare marketplace,” said Tracy Brosius, operations manager for the Institute, which is a division of the Cheyenne Regional healthcare system. Brosius also manages Enroll Wyoming.
Open enrollment in the marketplace begins November 15 and ends February 15, 2015.
From October 2013 through March 2014, 11,970 Wyoming residents enrolled for health insurance through the marketplace. Brosius said that 93 percent of Wyoming enrollees received lower insurance premiums through tax credits.
“Enroll Wyoming is of particular value in Wyoming where distances and lack of Internet access can be barriers to people who would like to learn more about coverage options or who want to sign up. Our Navigators travel to towns and communities throughout the state to provide information and answer questions,” Brosius said.
Confusion about what options are available and who is eligible for coverage is still widespread, Brosius said.
“Having Navigators meet one-on-one with people at access events throughout the state helps ensure our residents receive accurate information about available healthcare options on the marketplace,” she said.
“Receiving this grant affirms the Institute’s ability to be proactive in educating individuals regarding the marketplace,” Brosius added. “It is a privilege to be able to provide the information and tools Wyoming residents need to make informed decisions about their health insurance decisions.”
About Enroll Wyoming
Enroll Wyoming is dedicated to engaging consumers directly and raising public awareness about the new health insurance options made available under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Through Enroll Wyoming, Wyoming communities receive facts and enrollment assistance through local events. Enroll Wyoming also answers phone calls, offers multi-layered education, assists in special enrollment period candidates and offers guidance for first-time insurance consumers. The next enrollment period for insurance coverage begins November 15, 2014, and ends February 15, 2015. During this time, Enroll Wyoming Navigators will visit healthcare facilities, libraries and communities to host and support events. Education and enrollment assistance will be available at these events as well as over the phone or through one-on-one appointments. Visit the website at Enrollwyo.org or call 2-1-1 for assistance and a calendar of events scheduled throughout the state.