Feds OKs $1.8 million for health exchange helpers

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is sending Indiana money to help the state's health care plan navigators sign up more residents through a federally run exchange.

U.S. Health Secretary Sylvia Burwell announced Monday that Indiana would receive roughly $1.8 million in federal grants to help certified navigators sign up residents. Nationally, $60 million is being distributed to 90 organizations.

The Indiana navigator groups receiving funds are the Indiana Family Health Council, Affiliated Service Providers of Indiana and R&B Receivables Management Corp., all based in in Indianapolis; and Plus One Enterprises and Madison County Community Health Centers, both based in Anderson.

In addition to helping eligible individuals and their families enroll in coverage, Navigators are expected to help consumers compare their health coverage options, including helping them determine whether they are eligible for public programs like Medicaid.