Insurance Enrollment Program Expansion
CHP has received a grant from the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority (the “Health Connector”) for the Massachusetts Navigator Program. The grant provides $150,000 over two years, and expands CHP’s current enrollment staff and programming, allowing more local residents to receive assistance with health insurance enrollment. This outreach, education, and enrollment program is focused on reaching those who are uninsured, who experience gaps in coverage, and those who live in communities most vulnerable to uninsurance. The program also helps make sure current members maintain insurance coverage. With these grant funds, CHP will double our efforts to assist those identified as disproportionately underserved, most likely to be uninsured, and those who need support in languages other than English. The program offers insurance enrollment services to both CHP patients and members of the community at large.
In addition to directly supporting currently enrolled members in maintaining insurance and providing uninsured residents with enrollment support services, the Navigator Program also helps increase awareness of insurance coverage. CHP’s expanded enrollment navigator team includes bilingual staff who are able to provide services in-person and via telephone. Additionally, as state and local COVID guidelines permit, the navigators will participate in community events, visit local churches, and be available to meet at libraries and community centers to provide insurance enrollment information and support.
Recent Grants to CHP include:
- Berkshire Hills Regional School District through Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation $27,500 for PC+ program
- Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector $150,000 for Navigator Insurance Enrollment program expansion
- MassHealth Provider Access Improvement $128,373 to allow for the purchase of bariatric and accessible equipment at 9 practices including waiting room chairs, scales, blood pressure cuffs, and power convertible medical and dental exam chairs and tables
- Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires $3,200 for Parent Workshop Series
CHP Family Services hosts a free parent workshop via ZOOM each month as a resource for caregivers thanks to the Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires. Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself is led by Cynthia Segui, LICSW, and Kim Waterman, MSEd. Parents are able to share challenges and get individual advice while connecting with others in a supportive way. Now more than ever, practical tips and real solutions to deal with tantrums, transitions, and difficult moments are critical to families.