Starting in October, Americans without access to job-based health benefits will be able to apply for health coverage through new state-based insurance marketplaces. To help with outreach and enrollment, the health reform law requires that every state establish a "navigator" program to help consumers choose the right plan for them.
In a new blog post, Katie Keith, J.D., and colleagues from the Georgetown University Center on Health Insurance Reforms discuss the proposed federal rules that provide guidance on standards for the navigator programs, particularly for the 33 states opting to allow the federal government to operate their marketplace. But as the authors note, many legislatures in these states have already enacted or considered legislation that subjects navigators to state regulatory requirements—and may hinder their outreach efforts.