The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced grant awards totaling $67 million to support outreach efforts to connect people with local help and financial assistance for the next Marketplace open enrollment which begins Nov. 1.

The funds were presented to 100 organizations in 34 states that operate a federally-facilitated marketplace or state partnership marketplace and will allow organizations to work with consumers for the next three years. 

Five New Jersey agencies serving 16 counties are among navigator grant recipients. Navigators and assisters are trained specialists who provide consumers in their communities with in-person help, answering their questions about their health insurance and financial assistance options and assisting them as they complete their application. Navigators and assisters are knowledgeable about the range of health plans available on HealthCare.gov as well as other public health insurance programs offered in their state, including Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).