Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends health insurance navigator laws.

Highlights:

• Requires an individual or organization advertising or operating as a “navigator” or “exchange assister” to register with the Insurance Department (Sec. 3).

• Defines “navigator” as an individual or organization under the federal health care act who provides public education or consumer assistance activities to uninsured individuals and groups seeking health insurance (Sec. 2).

• Defines “exchange assister” as an individual or organization who provides public education or assists consumers for or on behalf of an exchange, excluding a licensed insurance producer (Sec. 2).

• Requires an individual applying to be a “navigator” or “exchange assister” to submit their fingerprints to the Department for the purpose of criminal history record review (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that the individual’s registration as a “navigator” or “exchange assister” is valid for 2 years (Sec. 3).

• Prohibits a “navigator” or “exchange assister” from engaging in certain activities including, but not limited to, the following activities (Sec. 4):
• To make or propose to make an insurance contract;
• To initiate an inquiry as to the terms of existing coverage; or
• To recommend or to initiate any changes to an insured individual’s policy.

• Authorizes the state to enact certain penalties on an individual who violates the provisions of this bill including, but not limited to, the following penalties (Sec. 5):
• To deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the registration of the individual, if they are registered; and
• To fine the individual up to $5,000 for each violation. 

Full Bill Text