Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor joined with Pat Mabe, CEO of the Community Health Centers of Pinellas to announce that community health centers across the state of Florida received a total of $8.1 million to help enroll Floridians in the new health insurance marketplace and spread the word about other insurance options available to our neighbors.  The Tampa Bay community received over $930,000 to assist our neighbors.  Nationwide, $150 million was awarded to over 1,000 health centers. 

“The good news for our neighbors who are interested in reviewing new options for affordable health coverage is that help will be available in neighborhoods across Tampa Bay.  Our local community health centers will be ready to review options and answer questions as we approach October 1, 2014, the date open enrollment begins,” Castor said.  “Today’s grants will create jobs in our community while also starting the outreach and education efforts we need to enroll our neighbors and ensure the health of our entire community.”

With these awards, health centers will help consumers understand their coverage options in the new Health Insurance Marketplace. They will also help determine an individual’s eligibility for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program; any financial help they can get; and enroll them in new affordable health coverage options. 

“We’ll be working with the faith-based community, local non-profits and everywhere possible to start connecting with people who need insurance,” Mabe said.  “Unfortunately, there is no shortage of people who need insurance and we plan on using these funds to hire good people to reach out to everyone and let them know when the enrollment period starts and what their options are.”

Indeed, according to the Congressional Research Service, 3.9 million Floridians are uninsured – which is 21.3% of the population.

Today’s announcement is part of the forthcoming and robust ACA outreach and education effort. The new, consumer-focused HealthCare.gov website and the 24-hour-a-day consumer call center are available now to help Floridians prepare for open enrollment and ultimately sign up for health coverage.  These new tools will help Floridians understand their coverage options and select the plan that best suits their needs when open enrollment in the new Health Insurance Marketplace begins October 1, 2013.

“In addition to community health centers, the Tampa Bay area is fortunate to have many other active and thriving community resources and non-profits who will be engaged in outreach and education efforts,” Castor continued.  “In August we expect to announce Navigator awards as well.  Navigators will be trained to provide expertise in eligibility, enrollment, and program specifications and conduct public education activities to raise awareness about insurance options.”

While the open enrollment period will not affect Floridians who already have employer-based insurance, many will be interested to learn that numerous new protections and benefits under the law have taken effect for them too, and many more are on the way.  Over 224,000 young adults in Florida have health insurance because they have been able to remain on their parent’s policies until age 26.  In Florida, 1.3 million residents have received $124 million in rebates from insurance companies because of important consumer protection provisions in the law that require a larger portion of premiums go towards health care costs.  And nationwide, more than 360,000 small businesses throughout the country have taken advantage of tax credits they receive for offering health insurance to their employees; millions more are eligible. Medicare is stronger, seniors are paying less for prescription drugs as the “donut hole” closes and children no longer face discrimination due to pre-existing conditions.

Tampa Bay Area grants announced today:

Click here for the entire list of Florida awardees