Catastrophic Health Insurance
A type of insurance plan that covers healthcare costs only after a high deductible is reached.
Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCHIIO)
An agency that helps to enforce provisions related to private health insurance from the Affordable Care Act.
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
A federal agency under HHS that focuses on prevention and control of diseases, both communicable and chronic.
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation
A sub-division of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services charged with investigating ways to improve the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
The agency responsible for administering the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Center(s) of Excellence (COE)
Health care providers or systems that excel at a certain treatment or procedure, insurance companies can try to steer patients to COEs for their condition.
Certificate of Need (CON)
In 36 states, the law requires approval (a Certificate of Need) for new health care facilities, to ensure that there is an unmet need in that area.
Certified Application Counselor
A third-party agent assigned to conduct public education about the availability of qualified health plans and help eligible consumers with the enrollment process. Also called a Navigator.
CHAMPUS
Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services - Health coverage for dependents of military personnel and retired military personnel.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
A program administered by HHS that provides matching funds to states to provide medical services for children of uninsured families who are ineligible for Medicaid.