Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange, appointed insurance “navigators” to assist consumers with enrollment in health plans through the marketplace. But, what exactly is an insurance navigator, and what kind of training do they have? And what’s the difference between an insurance navigator and a certified insurance agent? Your trusted California health insurance agent answers these questions below.
Navigator vs. Certified Insurance Agent
Navigators are individuals or organizations that help guide consumers through the healthcare marketplace. They can be affiliated with trade and professional groups, churches, and even ranching and farming groups. Traditional insurance agents or brokers are prohibited from being navigators.
Navigators can discuss the health plans available through the exchange, as well as the subsidies and tax credits for which consumers may qualify, and they may refer consumers to different state agencies (such as Medi-Cal) for coverage, where applicable. Navigators cannot assist customers with enrollment in plans or handle sensitive information, such as social security numbers. Navigators are required to undergo at least 30 hours of training prior to counseling individuals.
Certified Insurance Agents are licensed insurance agents in their states with expertise in the field of insurance, and special training and authorization to assist consumers with enrollment in Covered California plans. Certified Insurance Agents are trained and certified to sell plans through Covered California for both individuals and small businesses.
There are several advantages of seeking assistance from a certified insurance agent. They are licensed by the state of California, which requires extensive training on insurance in general, as well as background checks, and they have undergone special training to thoroughly understand the new healthcare laws and the plans, subsidies, and tax breaks available through California’s healthcare marketplace.
BenefitPackages is a Certified Insurance Agent specially trained to help individuals and small businesses understand their coverage options and subsidies, and/or tax breaks available to them, and to help them enroll in a health plan through Covered California. Call us today for assistance.