CBWCHC Highlights its Navigator Health Insurance Program

At the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center (CBWCHC), the IPA/Certified Navigators of the Enrollment Navigation Department assist community members in obtaining and renewing their health insurance coverages. They conduct outreach on a regular basis, serving the New York City community across all 5 boroughs. Every day, they reach out to clients who need health insurance coverage and who are due to renew their insurance so that there is no lapse in their coverage, as it’s important that everyone continues to have access to health care. Approximately 10,000 New Yorkers each year are served by this team!

Kaushal Challa, CEO of the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, shares, “The Certified Navigator Health Insurance team, led by Khana Maula, plays an important part in driving our mission of providing high-quality and affordable health care to all. By helping enroll clients and reminding them to renew their insurance, they ensure that patients have uninterrupted access to the care they need. It’s a lot of work having to do outreach on a daily basis, and I appreciate the enormous amount of time and effort they put into making sure that all our patients and community members, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay, can access the highest quality care.”

CBWCHC spoke to Khana Maula, the department’s Program Manager, about her team’s work and goals.

CBWCHC: Whom does this program serve?

Khana: The Navigator Health Insurance Program serves the New York City community across the 5 boroughs. Our main clientele consists of any New York resident ages 0-65. We also serve individuals above age 65 who are not already covered by Medicare/Medicaid and would like to enroll in separate health insurance. Additionally, we aid small businesses in providing health insurance for their employees. We can serve clients across nearly 15 different languages internally and leverage the NYSDOH translation service for all others in need of assistance.

CBWCHC: What are your goals for the Navigator Health Insurance Program?

Khana: We aim to continue reaching out to more community members and small businesses by creating more awareness of not only the Navigator Health Insurance Program, but also the benefits and facilities within the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center.

CBWCHC: What’s one thing about your department that you’d like people to know?

Khana: We would like people to know that we are the Lead Agency for the Navigator Health Insurance Program within New York City. Our staff have over a decade of experience in serving the community and have a wide range of language capabilities. The team’s expertise and dedication, as well as excellent support and mentorship from Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Betty Cheng, have enabled us to be a trusted resource for all health insurance needs.

CBWCHC: What do you like most about working for the Health Center?

Khana: The Health Center is a wonderful place to work. There is mutual respect amongst all the programs and services. All employees are essentially part of the Health Center community where we all feel valued and heard.