National Center for Benefits Outreach Enrollment

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Administration for Community Living (ACL), is offering a funding opportunity titled “National Center for Benefits Outreach & Enrollment” under the funding number HHS-2025-ACL-CIP-MINC-0022. This initiative is administered by the Center for Innovation and Partnership and aims to support the National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment, which plays a crucial role in assisting older adults and individuals with disabilities in accessing essential federal and state benefit programs. The Center is authorized under the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) and is expected to help reduce disparities in access to healthcare and preventative services among Medicare beneficiaries with the greatest economic need. The Center provides vital education and support for states, territories, Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), Aging and Disability Resource Centers/No Wrong Door Systems (ADRC/NWD), State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), tribes, and other community-based organizations. Key statutory responsibilities include maintaining web-based decision support tools, utilizing cost-effective outreach strategies, developing a clearinghouse of best practices, supporting Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs), and offering training and technical assistance. The overarching goal is to close enrollment gaps in programs such as Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy, Medicare Savings Programs, and Medicare Preventive Services, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for low-income enrollees. The anticipated funding for this cooperative agreement is up to $15,000,000 per year over a three-year project period, with one award expected. ACL will be substantially involved in the award’s administration. Activities not eligible for funding include construction, basic research, or continuations of existing projects without significant innovation. Applications must demonstrate a strong history of operating similar web-based tools and collaborating with state and community-based aging networks. While no cost-sharing or matching is required, voluntary contributions of non-federal resources are permitted. Eligible applicants include domestic public or private non-profit entities such as state and local governments, tribal organizations, community-based organizations, and institutions of higher education. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 30, 2025. A letter of intent, though not mandatory, is encouraged and should be submitted by July 10, 2025, to Margaret Flowers at margaret.flowers@acl.hhs.gov. All applicants must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Applications will be evaluated based on project relevance, approach, budget, impact, and organizational capacity. Successful applicants will be notified before the project start date of September 1, 2025. Required application materials include SF-424 forms, a 20-page project narrative, a multi-year budget narrative, proof of non-profit status (if applicable), letters of commitment, and resumes of key personnel. ACL requires accessible and 508-compliant deliverables and encourages participation in related national conferences and training events. For further information, applicants may contact Maggie Flowers, Project Officer at ACL, at (202) 795-7315 or Rasheed Williams, Grants Management Specialist, at (202) 401-5481. Detailed instructions and required formats for submission are included in the FOA document, and all applications must comply with updated federal administrative requirements as of October 1, 2024.

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