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Creating Outreach and Education EventsThis presentation does notcreate any rights or obligations.It is not a legal document and isintended only as a summary ofapplicable requirements. Thelaw is fully stated in theapplicable statutes andregulations. This presentationwas produced and disseminatedat U.S. taxpayer expense.June 2019

Objectives of Session To define and describe the importance ofassister outreach To allow assisters to discuss and sharestrategies for creating effective outreachevents2

Outreach and Education Overview Providing outreach and education forconsumers is a crucial role of assisters. Outreach and education are importantbecause they: Help consumers understand their options andgain access to affordable, quality healthcoverage Serve as opportunities for assisters to connectwith consumers and their community3

Effective Outreach StrategiesTo develop your organization’s outreach strategy, youshould: Identify the community you want to reach andresources available to plan your efforts. Recognize that effective outreach strategies vary acrossall organizations. Build on your current work and form/fostercollaborations.4

Effective Outreach StrategiesWhen identifying your community, ask yourselfthese questions: What are the community’s needs? What enrollment challenges does the community face? What are the community’s trusted sources ofinformation and support? What resources are already available?5

4 Steps for Creating Outreach Events1. Prepare2. Advertise3. Host4. Follow-up6

Establishing TrustAn important part of effective outreach andeducation is establishing trust within yourcommunity. Begin by going to where consumers in yourcommunity can be found. Demonstrate your organization’s willingness toreach out, engage in community life, and buildconnections with the individuals you serve. Cultivate your relationship with consumers toextend beyond the enrollment process.7

Identifying StakeholdersMany people have a stake in the health of theircommunities and are working to increaseconsumer access to health coverage and services.Stakeholders can include: State governmental partners; Community-based organizations; Faith-based groups, and; Healthcare service providers.8

Building a Diverse CoalitionBenefits of coalition-building: Connecting with more consumers Learning from organizations engaged in similarwork Creating new strategies and best practices foroutreach and education Enhancing your credibility in the community Increasing consumer awareness of your mission andactivities Coordinating outreach and enrollment efforts thathave greater reach within the community9

Collaboration OpportunitiesHave you worked with any of these organizationsin your community? Your local realtor association Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites Your local hospital Recreation centers Local community college Your small business association Other local organizations?10

Types of Outreach Events High-traffic eventsOrganizational meetingsSocial media campaignsCommunity eventsDoor-to-door11

Coordinate TimingThe most effective outreach and education iscarefully planned throughout the year. Developand align your outreach and education strategywith holidays, seasonal activities, and nationalhealth promotion activities.Find more ideas at the National HealthObservances at a Glance Listing.12

Outreach Methods and Tools Tailor your community outreach efforts bychoosing the appropriate tools andresources to convey your message. Different materials work best to conveydifferent types of messages. It is important to consider all materials andmethods when sharing your message andcustomizing your outreach.13

Learn the Basics & Find Out MoreAre the consumers you workwith new to the Marketplace oreven new to the concept ofhealth coverage? Review the basics with yourclients. Share resources like TheValue of Health Insurancebrochure and The HealthInsurance Marketplace brochure,both of which are available inmultiple languages. Find additional resources likethese on the New to theMarketplace page.14

Learn the Basics & Find Out More(continued)Are the consumers you’re helping already enrolled inMarketplace coverage? Help consumers learn how to use their coverage,maintain and renew their coverage, and even changetheir coverage if they experience certain life changes. Review the basics with consumers by sharing resourceslike, why coverage is important.Need more materials to help you educate consumerson Marketplace and other health coverage? Order free materials that you can use to help educateconsumers from the CMS Product Ordering Website.15

Learn the Basics & Find Out More(continued)Review Tips for Assisters on Working withOutside Organizations, this guidance includes: Guidelines and best practices to help assistersunderstand how to structure these relationships withoutside organizations Information about what kinds of referrals may berequired Suggested resources for referring consumers Requirements and prohibitions for working withoutside organizations Tips for identifying organizations for partnership orcollaboration16

QuestionWhat is the most challenging issue you facewhen creating a outreach and educationevent?17

Things You Should Know/Helpful Hints1. Develop your organization’s outreach strategy bybuilding on your current work and partnershipswith the community you serve.2. Participate in community life and developrelationships with community members – socialand personal connections are key to connectingwith consumers and establishing trust.3. Customize your message and outreach activitiesto your community.4. Reach consumers through multiple mediums suchas CMS provided drop-in articles, fact sheets, andother publications.18

Things You Should Know/Helpful Hints(continued)5. Partner with local media and businesses that already havean audience in your community to advertise services.6. Collaborate with other assisters to improve your collectiveefforts by using their knowledge and sharing your own.7. Remember to include an education component in youroutreach and enrollment events. Consumers’ comfort levelsincrease with knowledge and with greater understanding ofthe value of health coverage and how it works.8. Educate consumers about the financial assistance that maybe available to them through the Marketplace. Consumerscare about cost and perceived unaffordability is a barrier toenrollment.19

Feedback SessionWe want to hear from you!20

Question 1What is a best practice tipthat you have found to beeffective when creatingoutreach and educationevents?21

Question 2What is the most valuablething you learned duringthis presentation?22

with new to the Marketplace or even new to the concept of health coverage? Review the basics with your clients. Share resources like The Value of Health Insurance brochure and The Health Insurance Marketplace brochure, both of which are available in multiple languages. Find additional resources like these on the New to the Marketplace page. 14