California health exchange awards $37 million to educate residents about health law

May 16 2013

The grants will go to 48 organizations to help the state explain benefits, show consumers how to access insurance and encourage small businesses to participate.

Los Angeles Times: California Health Insurance Exchange Announces Grants
Covered California, the state's health insurance exchange, announced $37 million in grants Tuesday to begin the massive task of educating millions of Californians about the new healthcare law. The grants will go to 48 organizations, including universities, nonprofit groups, health foundations and unions. They will help state officials explain the new benefits, show people how to access insurance, and encourage small businesses to enroll (Gorman, 5/14).

CQ HealthBeat: Health Insurance Exchange Helpers Prepare In California
When enrollment in the health care law's new insurance exchanges opens in October, the prospects for success will turn on a crucial element: people who actually understand health insurance coverage and can explain it in plain language to consumers. Many Americans who will be signing up may never have had insurance in the past or aren't fluent in English or might have trouble figuring out which plan will be best for their pocketbook and health condition (Norman, 5/14).

And in Maryland -

The Associated Press/Washington Post: State Officials Urge Faith Leaders To Spread Word About New Health Insurance Options
Maryland health advocates urged religious leaders on Tuesday to learn more about how federal health care reform will be implemented in the state so they can pass information on to uninsured congregants. About 150 leaders gathered for the first summit of its kind in the state (5/14).