CMS NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: CMS Media Relations
July 12, 2013
Next Step in Implementation:
Finalizing policies to ensure Navigators will help consumers enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace
The
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) took the next step in
moving toward implementation by finalizing a proposed rule today
outlining the standards for Navigators, the in-person assisters in
Federally-facilitated and State Partnership Marketplaces. State-based
Marketplaces have the option of using this guidance or developing their
own. The rule identifies training, conflict of interest standards, and
standards for serving people with limited English proficiency and people
with disabilities.
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.
“If
individuals request assistance and would like in-person assistance,
navigators will be available nationwide when the marketplace opens.
Navigators will be trained to play a vital role in fulfilling our
commitment to help consumers learn about and apply for quality health
insurance when open enrollment for consumers in the Marketplaces begins
October 1,” said CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner.
CMS
will ensure that all consumers who need Marketplace customer service can
receive it from trained professionals. Millions of Americans will be
eligible for new coverage opportunities through the Marketplaces
beginning January 2014. Navigators will provide accurate and impartial
assistance to consumers shopping for coverage in the new Marketplace,
including consumers who are not familiar with health insurance, have
limited English proficiency, or are living with a disability. Grant
awards for Navigators in states with Federally-facilitated and State
Partnership Marketplaces will be awarded on August 15, 2013.
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.
In
addition to English and Spanish, the call center provides assistance in
more than 150 languages through an interpretation and translation
service. Customer service representatives are available for assistance
via a toll-free number at 1-800-318-2596 and hearing impaired callers
using TTY/TDD technology can dial 1-855-889-4325 for assistance.
Open enrollment in the Marketplace begins Oct. 1, 2013, with coverage to begin Jan. 1, 2014.
To learn more about helping consumers apply and enroll in health coverage through the Marketplace, visit: http://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/
To access the final rule released today, visit: http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/
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