Funding Opportunity: CMS Announces $80 Million Funding Opportunity Available for Navigators in States with a Federally-Facilitated Marketplace

June 4, 2021

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the 2021 Navigator Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which will make $80 million in grant funding available to Navigators in states with a Federally-Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) for the 2022 plan year. This is the largest funding allocation CMS has made available for Navigator grants to date.

About Navigator’s Mission:
A Navigator’s mission is to increase awareness among the uninsured about affordable health care coverage options available and assist consumers through and beyond the Marketplace enrollment process.

Who Should Apply?
With the additional funding, CMS encourages current and past Navigators to apply, especially those that focus on education, outreach and enrollment efforts to underserved and diverse communities. The increased grant funding is available to applicants seeking to serve as Navigators in states with an FFM. The application details the eligibility requirements, required duties and the available funding amount to applicants for this Navigator grant cycle.

What is different about the 2021 Navigator NOFO Applications?
Also, as part of the application, 2021 Navigator NOFO applicants will be asked to outline their outreach and enrollment efforts to the underserved or vulnerable population they plan to target, while still being prepared to assist any consumer seeking assistance.

Other Information
State Marketplaces that leverage the federal eligibility and enrollment platform are responsible for facilitating their own Navigator funding and awards to ensure consumers in their states have access to the assistance they need when enrolling in Marketplace coverage through HealthCare.gov.

How can I find out more about applying?
CMS will hold two sessions designed to provide technical assistance for potential applicants. These sessions will provide applicants with an overview of this project, relay budget guidance, and review the instructions for applying outlined in this Funding Opportunity. Applicants are encouraged to submit questions in advance of each session to Navigatorgrants@cms.hhs.gov.

Technical Assistance Session #1
Wednesday, June 9, 2021 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time

https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1418490&tp_key=a3299cfc8e

Technical Assistance Session #2
Monday, June 28, 2021 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time

https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1470197&tp_key=d748689859

For More Information
To view the Notice of Funding Opportunity, visit: https://www.grants.gov, and search for CFDA # 93.332.  To view the Frequently Asked Questions on the grant process, visit: https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Programs-and-Initiatives/Health-Insurance-Marketplaces/assistance.

Applicants are encouraged to submit questions in advance of each session to Navigatorgrants@cms.hhs.gov.