U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) alongside Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) welcomed over $1.4 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Navigators program in New Hampshire. This program helps American families access information and support to find quality health care plans at affordable prices. 

The funding will be allocated through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and will be disbursed between two New Hampshire Navigator organizations. Health Market Connect will receive $875,000, and First Choice Services will receive $654,745. These federal funds will be used to expand health care accessibility to individuals and families across New Hampshire.  

ACA open enrollment starts on November 1^st, with coverage beginning on January 1, 2023. For more information visit healthcare.gov. 

“Affordable Care Act Navigators are essential to simplifying the health insurance process for families and individuals in need. Navigators like Health Market Connect and First Choice Services support Granite Staters in shopping for insurance and enrolling for the plan that’s best for them. This service is completely free to individuals,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m glad to see this federal funding headed to New Hampshire’s Navigator programs, which will complement the continued lower premiums that I fought for in the Inflation Reduction Act. I’ll always work to ensure Granite Staters can access the affordable, quality care they deserve.”

“Affordable Care Act Navigators can help people throughout New Hampshire find the best health care plan for them and their families,” said Senator Hassan. “This grant funding will support the Navigators program in our state and ensure that Granite Staters are aware of the coverage options that are available to them – and this is especially important this year because the Inflation Reduction Act extended tax cuts that Granite State families are using to get less expensive health insurance. I’ll continue working with my colleagues to reduce health care costs and expand access to high-quality, affordable health care.”

“This federal funding will help ensure Granite Staters are able to choose the right health plan to fit their needs and the needs of their families,” said Representative Kuster, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. “Affordable Care Act Navigators provide vital, cost-free guidance for families while they are selecting a health insurance plan. I’m also thrilled that thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act which extended ACA subsidies for hard-working families, health plan premiums will remain low for many folks in New Hampshire. I’ll continue working to reduce health costs for Granite Staters and make health care affordable and accessible.”

“As we approach the annual open enrollment period this fall, these funds will ensure Granite Staters understand their health care options and are able to access enrollment assistance,” said Representative Pappas. “The outreach and education provided by New Hampshire’s health care navigators will help residents sign up for a plan that meets their needs and take advantage of provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act that lower health care premiums. I’ll continue working to bring affordable health care within reach of all Granite Staters.”

In the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, Shaheen championed the extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) Premium Tax Credits. Shaheen also worked to include premium tax credit enhancement provisions from her legislation in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was signed into law last year. Shaheen and Hassan worked with a group of Senators to introduce the Expand Navigators’ Resources for Outreach, Learning, and Longevity (ENROLL) Act to restore funding for the Navigator program. Shaheen previously introduced legislation to counteract the Trump administration’s sabotage efforts that blocked Americans from having the help or information they need to find the best health care plans. Shaheen’s Marketing and Outreach Restoration to Empower (MORE) Health Education Act would have ensured funds for outreach, marketing and education efforts to promote health insurance coverage offered on the federal health insurance marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act.    

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