Letter to Department of Health and Health Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius - Obamacare: Seeking Answers on $54 Million to Fund New Law's "Navigators"

Letter

House Energy and Commerce Committee leaders today requested HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius provide more information on the $54 million award to fund community groups to help individuals navigate the health care law's exchanges. This latest request continues the committee's aggressive oversight of the new health law's spending, implementation, and impact.

The leaders wrote "This week, news broke that the administration would award $54 million to community groups in 33 states to facilitate enrollment in the health insurance marketplaces that open for enrollment in October. These groups will serve as "Navigators' for the federally-facilitated or state partnership exchanges and assist consumers in understanding their health insurance options."

The committee leaders are specifically seeking details on the total cost of the Navigator program, how many Navigators are expected to be hired, the hiring process, eligibility requirements, and the training process. The members requested HHS submit more information and documents to provide a better understanding of the program by April 30, 2013.

The letter was signed by Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), Vice Chairman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Chairman Emeritus Joe Barton (R-TX), Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Tim Murphy (R-PA), Health Subcommittee Chairman Joe Pitts (R-PA), and Vice Chairman of the Health and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittees Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX).