By Jayson Henderson
Clay Center—Grow Clay County is making health insurance more accessible for residents through its Marketplace Navigator program. Tracy Myers and Natalie Muruato, both representatives from the organization, joined Jamie Bloom in a recent interview to discuss the assistance they provide in enrolling in marketplace insurance.
Myers, one of the program’s Navigators, explained how they help residents navigate the often-complex enrollment process.
“A Navigator helps people enroll in marketplace insurance and we kind of explain the enrollment process,” Myers said.
Their role includes helping individuals understand their options and guiding them toward the best plans available.
The program doesn’t just serve Clay County; it also covers a number of surrounding areas. Muruato confirmed,
“We serve Clay, Ottawa, Saline, Dickinson, Washington, Republic, Cloud, and Mitchell counties.”
With open enrollment set to begin on November 1st and continue through January 15th, Muruato highlighted the team’s annual recertification process, which ensures they are up to date on the latest marketplace regulations.
“We have to get recertified so that we understand any new rules… so that we can make sure that our clients get the best plans.”
Their certification helps them provide accurate guidance on doctor networks, prescription coverage, and more.
The team also assists with Medicaid enrollment, offering guidance on eligibility for those who may have recently lost health coverage or relocated. Muruato shared,
“They can contact us, and we can check their eligibility through the marketplace.”
For early retirees who are not yet eligible for Medicare, the program offers support in finding interim marketplace plans.
“We can help them find a marketplace plan that will help with however much time they have before they are eligible for Medicare,” Muruato explained.
One of the most important aspects of the program is that it comes at no cost to the community. Myers emphasized,
“We don’t charge anything. Services are free.”
The team further advised that anyone being charged for assistance should be cautious, as marketplace navigation services should always be free.
For more information or help with health insurance enrollment, residents can call the Grow Clay County office at 785-632-5674 or visit them at 517 Court St.
With open enrollment approaching, Grow Clay County’s free navigator services ensure that no one has to go without the health insurance they need.
