MHP Salud
Who is MHP Salud?
MHP Salud is a non-profit focused on improving health and well-being in underserved communities, with a special focus on serving the Hispanic and Latino population. All community programs are free, and they’re led by Community Health Workers (CHWs), who are from the neighborhoods they serve, giving them a special understanding of the community. Founded in 1983, MHP Salud improves access to health care, social and support services, and supports other organizations dedicated to improving health and well-being through CHW programs.
What are your roles at MHP Salud?
Estela: As the Program Manager for El Paso, I support a team of six CHWs who are certified Health Insurance Navigators, helping the community learn about all of their health coverage options. We proudly serve El Paso and nearby rural areas as trusted community members, offering all services free of charge. We are not insurance agents or brokers.
Jennifer: As Program Director, I oversee the Navigator program, driven by a passion for my hometown. Health inequities within our Latino community inspire me to bring change by educating others on accessible and affordable health coverage options through our organization and partnerships.
What is the Navigator Program and how do you all help community members?
The program, funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services under the Affordable Care Act, offers free, year-round assistance to help people understand and enroll in health coverage, including Medicaid and CHIP. Navigators are all Community Health Workers — not insurance agents or licensed brokers — and they provide comprehensive guidance on qualifying plans, health plan use, government subsidies, and tax forms.
When can community members apply for health coverage?
Our services are available year-round. Open enrollment runs from November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025, when anyone can apply for Marketplace health insurance. If a consumer doesn’t qualify, we assist in determining eligibility for Medicaid and/or CHIP.
This Navigator Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $4,500,000 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
Photography by: Katherine Kocian