According to the funding announcement, HHS anticipates awarding up to 56 grants (approximately enough for each state and territory) worth a total of $29.9 million. State applications are due July 9.
Consumer assistance programs were established by the federal health-care reform law to provide a contact point for citizens who want to file a complaint about a health insurance company, enroll in an insurance plan or learn about their rights and responsibilities under the law. HHS doled out grants to 35 states in October 2010 to develop such programs.
According to HHS, 19 states are currently operating a consumer assistance program.
