California’s health insurance exchange, Covered California, announced recently that it will award $16.9 million in grant money to educate consumers about its insurance “navigator” program1, established as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
The ACA required states that chose to establish a state-run health insurance exchange (like California did) to appoint insurance navigators to assist individuals and small businesses with questions about plans available through the exchange. Additionally, navigators provide consumers with information about cost-sharing subsidies and/or tax breaks for which they may qualify.
Covered California received criticism for doing an inadequate job of getting the word out to consumers, especially some minority groups, about coverage through the state’s healthcare marketplace during the 2013-2014 open enrollment period. Covered California hopes to improve their performance during the upcoming November 15, 2014 to February 15, 2015 enrollment period. The funds will be granted to as many as 135 organizations that help educate consumers about their health insurance options.
What Is an Insurance “Navigator”?
Navigators must undergo a minimum of 30 hours of training in order to assist consumers with questions about Covered California plans, and the cost-sharing subsidies and/or tax breaks for which consumers may qualify.
In contrast, certified insurance agents are agents/brokers who have undergone similar training, and who are also experts in the field of insurance and licensed to sell insurance in their states. CIAs are trained on the new healthcare laws, as well as the plans and cost-sharing subsidies/tax breaks available to those who qualify through Covered California, and they are able to help consumers apply for coverage both inside and outside the Covered California exchange.
BenefitPackages is a certified insurance agent armed with the knowledge to help individuals and small businesses enroll in plans through Covered California. Call us with questions and for assistance when the time comes.
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