DFS Discusses Navigator Registration
The Florida Department of Financial Services has published a compliance reminder relating to the registration of navigators. The following identifies the guidance recently published by DFS.
What is a navigator?
“Navigator” means an individual authorized by the Federally-Facilitated Exchange (Exchange), also known as the Marketplace to serve as a navigator, or who works on behalf of an entity authorized by the Exchange to serve as a navigator, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. s. 18031(i)(1), who facilitates the selection of a qualified health plan through the exchange and performs any other duties specified under 42 U.S.C. s. 18031(i)(3).
To be registered as a navigator, the individual must:
- Be a natural person at least 18 years of age.
- Be a United States citizen or legal alien who possesses work authorization from the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Submit an application for registration to DFS, answer the relevant questions and pay the applicable fees.
- Provide official certification that he or she has successfully completed all required training by the federal government and has been certified by them as a Marketplace Navigator. The certificate of completion that states it is “not an official certification record” is not sufficient. The registrant should provide the official certificate that has the navigator’s unique ID number assigned by the HHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) and the organization where they are employed.
- Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
- Certain crimes would either permanently bar an individual from registration or disqualify an applicant for specified periods.
Navigators are prohibited from:
- Soliciting, negotiating, or selling health insurance;
- Recommending the purchase of a particular health plan or represent that one health plan is preferable over any other;
- Recommending or assisting with the cancellation of insurance coverage purchased outside the Exchange;
- Receiving compensation or anything of value from an insurer, health plan, business, or consumer in connection with performing activities as a navigator, other than from the Exchange or an entity or individual who has received a navigator grant under the PPACA.
How do I apply to become registered as a navigator?
To apply for registration as a navigator, an individual must go to the MyProfile section of the DFS website and apply. If the individual does not already have a MyProfile account, she or she will need to create one first.
If I’m interested in becoming a navigator, who should I contact?
A person interested in registering as a navigator should contact the Navigator entities that are awarded grants by the federal government.
Certified Marketplace Application Counselors are not required to be registered as a navigator by DFS as they are not regulated by DFS.