Grant Award Means SEVCA Will Continue to Help Residents Access Health Insurance

Vermont Health Connect recently awarded a $45,000 grant to Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) to continue to act as a Health Navigator for Windham and Windsor Counties. SEVCA has been involved in the Navigator program since its start-up as a member of a statewide team of Community Action Agencies helping people to sign up for health insurance through the Health Exchange or submit Medicaid/Dr. Dinosaur applications. The collaboration targeted low-income families and individuals, and helped thousands of uninsured households to access health insurance.

This year, SEVCA submitted an independent application as a local-level organization, rather than being part of a larger statewide collaboration. This enabled SEVCA to apply for a larger amount of funding than it had received in the past, and its award increased by almost a third. Low-income households represent a priority population for the Navigator grant program, and SEVCA is well-positioned to continue to help them understand their health insurance options and to choose a program most beneficial to their circumstances.

“The great news about this award is that we are able to retain our tremendously skilled and caring Navigator without interruption,” said Steve Geller, SEVCA’s Executive Director. “And the increased funding means we’ll be able to provide even more outreach and services to areas, such as the Upper Valley, that were underserved previously.”

Residents of Windham and Windsor Counties who would like assistance to obtain, change, or resolve issues with health insurance coverage can call SEVCA’s Navigator, Amanda Sabo, at (802) 722-4575 or (800) 464-9951.