Prairie State Wire

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the Department of Insurance (IDOI) have announced that five healthcare organizations will receive a total of $6.5 million in grants through the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program for Plan Year 2025. The awarded organizations are:

- Federación de Clubes Michoacanos en Illinois: $300,000

- Illinois Primary Healthcare Association: $3,500,000

- Rincon Family Services: $1,100,000

- Sinai Community Institute: $750,000

- Springfield Urban League, Inc.: $850,000

These grantees will assist eligible Illinois residents in enrolling in health coverage options and affordability programs available through Illinois' new state-based marketplace, Get Covered Illinois. The program focuses on serving individuals who might struggle to enroll without assistance from a navigator. This includes individuals with low literacy, limited English proficiency, low-income individuals, people with disabilities, those at risk of homelessness, and other hard-to-reach populations.

"One of the biggest benefits of a state-based marketplace will be better, more seamless collaboration between Medicaid and the marketplace," said HFS Director Elizabeth Whitehorn. "This way we're able to make sure Illinoisans connect with the health insurance that best fits their needs."

"Get Covered Illinois Navigators are often the first touchpoint for Illinoisans searching for affordable health coverage on the marketplace, so we're thrilled to have awardees selected for Plan Year 2025," said IDOI Director Ann Gillespie. "Our team is well prepared to oversee and train staff doing the important work of guiding consumers through plan selection and enrollment."

"Our Navigator network is ready to serve communities across the state," said Get Covered Illinois Director Morgan Winters. "These are free, local experts who can help you with the enrollment process. Visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov and click 'Get Free Help' to make an appointment."

HFS and IDOI are collaborating to implement the state-based marketplace while coordinating with all state medical assistance programs. This initiative aims to improve coordination with the Illinois Medicaid program administered by HFS. Better coordination is expected to help residents connect with suitable health insurance options more efficiently.

During Plan Year 2025, IDOI will manage Get Covered Illinois using the federal platform before transitioning to a fully state-operated marketplace by Plan Year 2026. As part of this phased transition, Get Covered Illinois will gradually assume functions from federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

More information can be found at GetCoveredIllinois.gov.