Illinois Extends Deadline for Health Guide Grants

Community groups have more time to apply for $28 million in grants to help consumers learn how to shop for health insurance - in an outreach effort that's part of the national health overhaul law.
 
Illinois officials announced Friday they've extended the deadline for grant applications by 12 days to June 11 to give more time for applicants to find collaborative partners.
 
Mike Claffey, a spokesman for Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn, says more than 100 groups filed letters expressing interest in the grants.
 
Grant winners will oversee trained guides who will educate people about the new insurance marketplace and help consumers understand their insurance plan choices.
 
The federal grant money will be distributed in a competitive selection process.