CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA ANNOUNCES THAT CHANGE HAPPENS! HAS RECEIVED A $1,330,000 GRANT TO SUPPORT AFFORDABLE CARE ACT NAVIGATOR PROGRAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                  Contact: Michael J. McQuerry

September 6, 2016                                                                                      202-225-7080

Press Statement

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA ANNOUNCES THAT CHANGE HAPPENS! HAS RECEIVED A $1,330,000 GRANT TO SUPPORT AFFORDABLE CARE ACT NAVIGATOR PROGRAM

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement today after the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services awarded Change Happens! a social service grant:

“It brings me great pleasure to announce that the non-profit Change Happens! was awarded $1,330,000 to support the Affordable Care Act Marketplace Navigator Program.

“This program ensures that Texans in the Gulf Coast Region have access to affordable, high quality health coverage in the market place. Through this program, Navigators provide information in a cultural and linguistic manner appropriate to the needs of the served population in an accurate, fair, and unbiased way.

“In order for a community to thrive, the businesses and members amongst the community must come together to help the less fortunate, and Change Happens! is doing just that by helping the community through a variety of programs, including the ACA Navigator Program. The $1.3 million awarded to the organization will fund the Navigators and allow them to reach a broader range of people within the Federal marketplace. Additionally, the grant will help support the broad public education approach of the program that seeks to provide out-stationed assistance locations, a local Helpline Center, community presentations and forums, and special events and various outreach and education activities that result in successful enrollment opportunities. 

“The work done by the ACA Navigator Program through Change Happens! is truly commendable and deserving of recognition. In 2013-2014 alone, over 1.1 million individuals were reached through a combination outreach and education strategies.

“I look forward to the continued enlightenment of our community that will benefit not only those who participate in the program but also the families and the community as a whole.”

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