Meridian has been awarded a US Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (HHS/CMS) Cooperative Agreement to operate as an Exchange (Marketplace) Navigator. This new grant will provide funding to assist and educate our consumers and community on qualified health plans available on the Marketplace, as well as other available options, such as Medicaid benefits. Meridian was awarded $549,800 annually to provide these services for up to a three-year period (a total of $1,649,400). This funding will be used not only for Meridian clients but extended to the entire community and add between 8-10 new jobs. “Meridian is excited to be able to continue to work towards creating a Health Home for our clients and providing the community with assistance when Navigating through the healthcare system. Understanding the healthcare marketplace, what you qualify for, or what might best meet your needs has become increasingly difficult. With these funds we will be able to put staff in the community to help people make the choices and access the benefits that best meet their and their children’s needs. “ Dr. Maggie Labarta, Meridian President and CEO. More information about the Navigator Grant: Starting October 1, 2013, consumers in all states were able to access affordable health insurance options through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Navigators will serve as an in-person resource for Americans who want additional assistance with Marketplace coverage, including as they shop for and enroll in plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace this fall. Open Enrollment for the 2016 plan year begins November 1, 2015 and individuals will again be able to provide assistance to consumers in a number of different ways: by becoming Navigators, in-person assistance personnel, or certified application counselors. In addition, agents and brokers will still be able to help consumers enroll in health insurance through the Marketplace. Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. is a comprehensive community behavioral healthcare organization located in North Central Florida. With services available throughout the region, Meridian maintains offices in these ten counties: Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Suwannee, and Union. Meridian is CARF accredited and licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families. Its mission is to promote the health, recovery, and well-being of those affected by mental illness and substance use disorders through prevention, coordinated treatment, and supportive services and is based on the vision that hope, recovery, and wellness are within everyone’s reach. For more information, visit https://www.mbhci.org/.

Meridian Awarded Navigator Grant!

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