More Rules for Healthcare Reform

This final rule addresses various requirements applicable to Navigators and non-Navigator assistance personnel in Federally-funded Exchanges, including state partnership exchanges, and to non-Navigator assistance personnel in State Exchanges that are funded through federal Exchange Establishment grants.  Navigators and similar in-person assisters will provide unbiased information to consumers about health insurance, the new Health Insurance Marketplaces, qualified health plans, and public programs including Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

In addition to Navigators, Marketplace consumers will have access to assistance through services such as a call center, where consumers can receive help with the eligibility and enrollment process. The call center will also provide referrals to the appropriate state or federal agencies, or other assistance programs including in-person assistance personnel, certified application counselors, and agents and brokers. The final rule also outlines the standards for certified application counselors, including training, qualifications, and requirements to ensure that they provide quality, sound, consumer-protective assistance.

Currently 26 states have elected not to set up their own exchanges and will be under the federal exchange program.  Seven other states have agreed to partner with the federal government to set up their exchanges.  The published rule will apply to all federal exchanges and federal/state partner exchange.  The 17 states plus the District of Columbia which have established their own exchanges have the option of using these regulations as guidance for their own exchanges.

For more information please utilize the temporary link below:

http://www.ofr.gov/inspection.aspx

This will be published in the federal register on July 17, 2013. At that time you can obtain a final link to the rule.