Congressman Clyburn Announces Affordable Care Act Navigators in South Carolina

Press Release

Sixth District Congressman and Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn today announced that three organizations have been selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to serve as Navigators for the upcoming implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

Navigators will be trained to provide unbiased information in a culturally competent manner to consumers about health insurance, the new Health Insurance Marketplaces, and qualified health plans. HHS selected three Navigators from the potential grant applications. The recipients are:

DECO Recovery Management LLC

Anticipated grant amount: $1,211,203

DECO Recovery Management, a national leader in medical assistance eligibility management and patient advocacy, has taken a lead role in the establishment of a consortium with strategically located partners in South Carolina, to perform the cooperative agreement activities as a Navigator. DECO and its consortium partner The Benefit Bank of SC will conduct targeted marketing campaigns and public education events throughout the state.

The Cooperative Ministry

Anticipated grant amount: $508,313

The Cooperative Ministry is establishing the Health Insurance Education Cooperative to provide pathways to better health and quality for uninsured persons in South Carolina. This effort targets eight counties that comprise the Columbia-Orangeburg-Newberry Region, and aims to reach, engage, and help enroll all eligible consumers in that area.

Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce

Anticipated grant amount: $234,100

Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce will utilize existing networks and infrastructures within various parts of the region to provide outreach around new coverage options. BCBCC will be conducting workshops, community meetings and individual counseling activities as part of the overall education and outreach efforts.

"Today's announcement of the Navigators is an important step in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in South Carolina," Congressman Clyburn said. "These are the frontline organizations who will be educating uninsured and underinsured South Carolinians about their options for affordable health care coverage."

Navigators will be required to adhere to strict security and privacy standards -- including how to safeguard a consumer's personal information. They'll be required to complete 20-30 hours of training to be certified, will take additional training throughout the year, and will renew their certification yearly. All types of enrollment assisters -- including in-person assistors, Certified Application Counselors, and agents and brokers -- are required to complete specific training and are subject to federal criminal penalties for violations of privacy or fraud statutes, on top of any relevant state law penalties.

Beginning on October 1, 2013, those uninsured and underinsured can begin purchasing health insurance policies on the Marketplace. New policy coverage will begin January 1, 2014. For more information on purchasing insurance through the Marketplace visit www.HealthCare.gov or call toll-free 1-800-318-2596.

Source