Tens of thousands of ‘navigators’ are to be hired to assist the millions of Americans who will be eligible for new coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
On Wednesday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule outlining standards that navigators must meet, clarifying earlier guidance about the Navigator program.
According to a CMS press release, navigators will provide unbiased information to consumer about health insurance, the new Health Insurance Marketplace, qualified health plans, and public programs including Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
“Navigators will be an important resource for consumers who want to learn about and apply for coverage in the new Marketplace,” said CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner.
The release also stated that navigators will play an important role for those who are not familiar with health insurance, have limited English literacy, or are living with disabilities. They will help ensure people understand the health coverage options available to them and provide accurate and impartial assistance to consumers shopping for coverage plans in the new Marketplace.
“Navigators are a significant component of efforts to enroll Americans in the Marketplace. And CMS will ensure that all consumers who need customer service can receive it from trained professionals. In addition to Navigators, consumers will have access to assistance through services such as a call center, where customer service representatives can provide referrals to the appropriate state or federal agencies, or other forms of assistance programs including in-person assistance personnel, certified application counselors and agents and brokers.”
Open enrollment in the Marketplace begins Oct. 1, 2013, with coverage to begin Jan. 1, 2014.
The precise number of navigators to be hired is unknown, but California has indicated it wants 21,000, according to news reports.
