Rep. Crawford Calls for Regulation of Affordable Care Act Navigators

State Rep. Hugh Crawford introduced legislation Wednesday that will regulate the new "navigators" of the Affordable Care Act and protect the citizens of Michigan, according to a press release. 

Navigators are required by the Affordable Care Act to help individuals enroll in health insurance plans through the exchange.

"The federal health exchange and these navigators are coming to our state so we must make sure the best interests of Michiganders are kept in mind," said Crawford, R-Novi. "We need to ensure that when they arrive these workers are registered with the state and play by the rules."

This legislation is being introduced concurrently with similar legislation in the Senate introduced by Sen. Jim Marleau.

"The Affordable Care Act language is very confusing and complicated at times and these navigators will help residents through a difficult process," said Crawford. "In order to adapt to the realities imposed by the health exchange, Michigan needs to take all measures necessary to make sure that patient safety remains a top priority, and making sure these navigators are regsitered with the state is one way to do that."

Under this legislation navigators would be required to complete a background check and a rigorous training program which includes HIPPA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) certification and continuing education on the health system.

Navigators are also required to be unbiased; they cannot recommend a certain insurance plan over another or sell the insurance itself, under the legislation. Navigators who violate these rules will lose their license and may receive civil fines.

"It is important that we have protections in place before the start of open enrollment in October," Crawford said. "Michigan residents deserve the best information they can get to make the right decision for them and their families. They should not have to worry about a navigator giving them false information to sway their decision." 

Similar legislation has already been passed in Ohio and Indiana. The bill will be referred to committee later this week.

Source: Press release from Rep. Hugh Crawford's office