As the health insurance open enrollment period approaches from November 1, 2024 through January 15, 2025, Navigators from Florida Covering Kids & Families (FL-CKF), housed within the USF College of Public Health, are gearing up to provide crucial, free assistance to Floridians navigating their health insurance options. Their primary goal is to offer unbiased support to individuals and families, helping them explore coverage options through the Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicaid.
As the lead of the Covering Florida Navigator Program, FL-CKF and its contracted partners, the Covering Florida consortium, cover all 67 counties with over 150 Navigators providing outreach and enrollment assistance services.
In addition to assisting with marketplace coverage, FL-CKF has partner organizations that specifically help enroll eligible children in Florida Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as Florida KidCare.
Xonjenese Jacobs, DrPH (Photo courtesy of Jacobs)
"The primary role of Navigators is to provide free, unbiased assistance to individuals and families exploring their health insurance options during the open enrollment period," FL-CKF director Dr. Xonjenese Jacobs said. "We help people understand their choices, compare plans and enroll in coverage, ensuring Floridians can find the best coverage for their needs and budget."
Many individuals struggle with the complexities of health insurance, particularly during the open enrollment period. Navigators are trained to address these challenges.
"People often face issues like understanding complex insurance terminology or navigating technical difficulties with the enrollment websites,” Jacobs said. “We simplify the process by explaining coverage options in plain language and offering one-on-one support.”
Covering Florida Navigator Program Navigators tabling at a USF Office of Multicultural Affairs “LGBTQ+ & Ally Ice Cream Social” located at the Marshall Student Center. (Photo courtesy of Jacobs)
This year, the Navigator program aims to increase enrollment, particularly among communities most affected by changes to Medicaid eligibility.
“Our focus is on increasing enrollment in both the Marketplace and Medicaid, especially among priority populations such as individuals who lost Medicaid coverage during the public health emergency, rural communities, Black and Indigenous People of Color, DACA recipients and the LGBTQ+ community. We are working to reduce barriers to access and raise awareness of available options,” she added.
The Navigators offer their services to all Floridians, regardless of income, citizenship status or employment situation.
Those seeking assistance can expect personalized support throughout the entire process, from evaluating plan options to completing applications and receiving follow-up support.
"We provide tailored, one-on-one guidance in person, virtually or over the phone,” Jacobs said. “For those with more complex cases, like individuals with special health needs or mixed-immigration status families, we ensure they receive appropriate help and connect them to additional resources if necessary."
Navigators at the Bi-annual Covering Florida Navigator Program Navigator Convening. Partner organizations from across the state joined to discuss their collective efforts and share insights. (Photo courtesy of Jacobs)
Navigators benefit from partnerships with a broad network of organizations across Florida.
“Our consortium members and key partners, such as community health centers and education foundations, allow us to extend our outreach and provide specialized support. These collaborations help ensure that Floridians can access comprehensive services beyond just health insurance,” she said.
In addition to Navigator support, individuals can also access health care resources through healthcare.gov, Federally Qualified Health Centers and various local health care plans.
The open enrollment period presents an important opportunity for Floridians to secure affordable and appropriate health coverage and Navigators are ready to assist.