High Plains Community Health Center Selected to Become Part of Connect for Health Assistance Network

[Lamar, CO]—Connect for Health Colorado announced today that High Plains Community Health Center is one of 58 groups across the state have been selected to provide in-person assistance to customers of the new health insurance marketplace starting in October. As part of this group, High Plains CHC will become part of the Connect for Health Assistance Network and help individuals, families and small employers consider health plan options, apply for insurance affordability programs, and sign up for health coverage.

“We know that there are many people in Prowers and Bent Counties that have been uninsured will be eligible to be covered by health plans as of January 1, 2014” notes Jay Brooke, High Plains Executive Director, who goes on to say “With this grant we will be able to hire people that will assist individuals, families and small businesses to get through the hoops necessary to obtain coverage and enable them to access medical care at the right time at the right place.  We look forward to working with our community partners to enroll all willing community members.”

Connect for Health Colorado received applications from every region of the state and from a variety of organizations, including consumer advocacy groups, county agencies, medical providers, health education groups, and trade associations. After a thorough evaluation process, Connect for Health Colorado notified High Plains CHC of the intent to award grant dollars for 18-months, including the first two open-enrollment periods for health coverage under the Accountable Care Act. High Plains CHC demonstrated the understanding and ability to reach target populations as a trusted local resource, to provide application assistance, and the ability to conduct education and outreach. High Plains has been funded to provide assistance to Prowers and Bent County as well as small businesses in both counties.

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High Plains Community Health Center Press Release