DCELC
DC Early Learning Collaborative
DC Early Learning Collaborative: An HC4CC Outreach & Engagement Partner
The District of Columbia Health Benefit Exchange Authority (DCHBX) awards grants to community organizations to serve as partners in the HealthCare4ChildCare (HC4CC) Outreach and Engagement Partnership (OEP) Program. Since fiscal years 2023 and 2024, the OEP Program has engaged trusted community organizations and voices to support DCHBX with implementing robust hyperlocal outreach and engagement strategies.
The DC Early Learning Collaborative is proud to be a Fiscal Year 2026 OEP grantee, working alongside the Multicultural Spanish Speaking Providers Association to advance health insurance literacy for employees and employers of OSSE-licensed child development facilities enrolled in HC4CC.
As an OEP Grantee, DCELC Works To:
- Increase awareness and understanding of health insurance benefits available through HC4CC for participating employers and educators
- Actively engage with HC4CC enrolled employers and employees during organized discussions, events, and convenings
- Deliver in-depth, accurate, and easy-to-understand information about using health insurance, customized to address unique needs
- Provide information in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, including for individuals with limited English proficiency
What is HC4CC?
HealthCare4ChildCare (HC4CC) is a groundbreaking program launched in 2023 that helps OSSE-licensed child development centers and homes provide affordable health insurance to their employees through DC Health Link's Small Business Marketplace.
The program was created in response to the high uninsurance rates among early childhood educators—many of whom work full-time caring for our children but lack access to quality healthcare for themselves and their families.
Over 1,200 child care workers and their families have gained coverage through HC4CC—many for the first time in their lives.
Program Impact
1,200+
Workers & families covered
7%
Increase in ECE employment
$277+
Monthly savings per employee
How HC4CC Started
A community-driven initiative born from years of advocacy
HC4CC originated from years of tireless advocacy by coalitions like Under3 DC, which brought together educators, families, child care programs, and organizations including DC Action to fight for better compensation and benefits for early childhood workers.
The program was approved as part of broader compensation reforms tied to the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund (PEF), which recognized that quality child care depends on attracting and retaining qualified educators—something impossible without adequate wages and benefits.
Administered by DC Health Link (DC Health Benefits Exchange), the program uses District local budget funds, initially supplemented by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) relief funding, to offset premium costs for child care workers.
Research by the Urban Institute and Mathematica has documented the program's success in improving workforce stability, morale, and retention across DC's early childhood sector.
Key Benefits
Why HC4CC matters for child care workers
Free or Low-Cost Premiums
DC residents and their families get free health insurance. Non-DC residents receive significant discounts on premiums.
All Employees Qualify
Full-time, part-time, and regardless of income, immigration status, or eligibility for other wage supplements.
Comprehensive Coverage
ACA-compliant plans covering doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, mental health, and preventive care.
12-Month Guarantee
Free and lower premiums are guaranteed for 12 months from your enrollment date.
What's Covered
Standard plans cover essential in-network services before you meet your deductible:
Note: HC4CC pays for health insurance premiums only. Individuals are responsible for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Who's Eligible
To qualify for HC4CC benefits, you must:
DC Residents: Free coverage for you AND your dependents (family members).
Non-DC Residents: Free or reduced premiums for employees only. Dependents do not qualify for free coverage.
How to Enroll
Getting started with HC4CC is simple
Employer Enrollment
Your employer (child care center or home) must sign up to offer SHOP coverage through DC Health Link.
Employee Registration
Contact DC Health Link to set up your individual enrollment appointment.
Select Your Plan
Choose from available Silver, Gold, or Platinum plans based on your needs.
Start Coverage
Once enrolled, your coverage begins and HC4CC discount applies automatically.
Ready to Enroll?
Contact DC Health Link to schedule your enrollment appointment or learn more about HC4CC.
Have Questions About Your Coverage?
If you're a child care worker enrolled in HC4CC and have questions about your health insurance coverage, we're here to help! Submit your inquiry and a representative will follow up to assist you.
We Can Help With:
Understanding Your Benefits
Get help understanding what's covered under your plan
Enrollment & Renewal
Questions about enrollment, renewal, or eligibility
Cost & Coverage Details
Learn about copays, deductibles, and free services
Need immediate assistance? Contact Ihkeem Ma'at at ihkeem@dcelc.org
