Will New Laws in States with Federally Run Health Insurance Marketplaces Hinder Outreach?
<p>Many Americans remain unaware of the new state health insurance marketplaces, where, starting in October, people without job-based benefits will be able to select a private health plan and potentially qualify for help in paying for that plan. To help with much-needed outreach and enrollment in the marketplaces, also known as exchanges, the law requires that every state establish a "navigator" program to support consumers. </p><p>In a <a href="/blog/2013/will-new-laws-states-federally-run-health-insurance-marketplaces-hinder-outreach">new blog post,</a> Katie Keith, J.D., and colleagues from the Georgetown University Center on Health Insurance Reforms discuss the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ proposed rules that provide additional guidance on standards for the navigator programs, particularly for the 33 states opting to allow the federal government to operate their exchange. But as the authors note, many legislatures in these states have already enacted or considered legislation that subjects navigators to state regulatory requirements. </p>
<p>Visit the <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=0B67ACA7A5CB453CB876F3DB59E19448&_z=z">Commonwealth Fund Blog</a> to learn about how this recent state legislative activity may hinder effective consumer outreach. </p>