Strengthening our child Care workforce by supporting access to affordable health insurance

This open enrollment season (Nov. 1 – Jan. 15), Child Care Resource & Referral agencies (CCR&Rs) have a unique opportunity to connect child care providers with affordable health insurance options through the health insurance marketplace. By sharing key dates, connecting providers with free resources, and promoting open enrollment, CCR&Rs take a strategic approach to supporting a healthier, more resilient child-care workforce—benefiting children, families, and providers. Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA) knows the critical value of CCR&Rs—they provide information on where to get help paying for child care, provide referrals to local child care providers, and more. Take Action Today. 

Spread Awareness of Key Dates:  

• Dec. 15, 2024: Deadline to enroll or change plans for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2025. 

• Jan. 15, 2025: Last day to enroll or change plans for coverage starting Feb. 1, 2025. 

Share These Key Messages:  

• Accessible Coverage: Quality health plans are available.  

• Low Prices: Financial help is available to most people.  

• If you are uninsured, do not have access to insurance through work, currently have HealthCare.gov insurance, or recently lost insurance coverage—now is the time to take advantage of this valuable open enrollment period.  

Resources Available to Support Your Outreach 
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) offer free tools to make promoting open enrollment easy, including: 

• Talking Points and FAQs: Ready-to-use messaging. 

• Navigator Awardees Contact Information: A list of local navigators across the country who can offer in-person assistance to providers and families. 

• Find Local Help: A website for providers to connect with navigators, agents/brokers, and other enrollment help. 

• Virtual Event in a Box: Materials in multiple languages to support open enrollment events. 

Visit the CMS Marketplace Partner Resources Page to access these tools, find shareable social media graphics and outreach messages, and obtain free educational materials that help CCR&Rs effectively promote open enrollment and provide information that child care providers can use to find coverage.  

Why Health Coverage Matters for the Child Care Community 
Access to health insurance helps providers manage health expenses, access preventive care, and have a safety net for unexpected issues. By promoting open enrollment through the Health Insurance Marketplace, CCR&Rs can help more providers find coverage that supports their health and well-being. 

In addition to the Marketplace, some individuals and families may qualify for low-cost or free health coverage through the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs provide essential health benefits to those who qualify based on income. Unlike Marketplace plans, Medicaid and CHIP enrollment is available year-round, offering a vital safety net for children, adults, and families. 

Additional Resources:  

• HealthCare.gov: Compare health plans and explore financial assistance options to make coverage more affordable. 

• InsureKidsNow.gov: Discover information about Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), offering free or low-cost comprehensive benefits for eligible children and adults year-round.