CMS NEWS RELEASE
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services awarded new resources today to Nevada to support its Consumer Assistance Program. This grant will support Nevada’s efforts to provide direct services to consumers with questions or concerns regarding their health insurance and will help protect consumers from some of the worst insurance industry practices. The grant is created by the Affordable Care Act.
Consumer Assistance Program grants support Nevada’s efforts to help consumers find health coverage and provide information for consumers who have questions or concerns about their insurance company.
“Consumer Assistance Programs help give consumers more control over their health care,” said Marilyn Tavenner, CMS acting administrator. “The health care law is supporting State efforts to educate and inform consumers, so they can make the health insurance choices that are right for them.”
Consumer assistance programs have a record of success. During the first year of the program, grantees recovered more than $18 million in savings nationwide on behalf of consumers and provided advice and support to thousands of Americans nationwide.
The new award announced today is Nevada’s second CAP grant award and ensures that Nevada can continue to strengthen and enhance ongoing efforts to protect consumers. In addition to Nevada’s award, 23 other States and territories were awarded grants to establish or enhance their current program.
The grants will build on other programs and initiatives through the Affordable Care Act to help consumers make decisions about their care. Consumers can also use www.HealthCare.gov to find health insurance options customized to their needs and location as well as other information about their benefits and rights under the Affordable Care Act.
For more information on the grant awarded to Nevada and the grants awarded to the 23 other states and territories, visit:
http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/10/capgrants-states.html.
