In-Person Assistance in the Health Insurance Marketplaces

Background

Starting October 1, 2013, consumers in all states were able to access affordable health insurance options through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Some states set up a State-based Marketplace and the remaining states opted for the Federally-facilitated Marketplace (FFM).

No matter what state they live in, consumers can receive help as they apply for and enroll in coverage through the Marketplace.

Open Enrollment for the 2023 plan year begins November 1, 2022 and individuals will again be able to provide assistance to consumers in a number of different ways: by becoming Navigators or certified application counselors. In addition, agents and brokers will still be able to help consumers enroll in health insurance through the Marketplace.

Key Resources

Navigators

Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) makes grant awards to organizations who serve as Navigators in FFM states. Navigators play a vital role in helping consumers prepare applications to establish eligibility and enroll in coverage through the Marketplaces and potentially qualify for an insurance affordability programs. They also provide outreach and education to raise awareness about the Marketplace, and refer consumers to health insurance ombudsman and consumer assistance programs when necessary. Navigators operate year-round—increasing awareness among the remaining uninsured about the coverage options available to them, helping consumers find affordable coverage that meets their needs, and assisting consumers beyond the enrollment process to ensure they're equipped with the tools and resources needed to utilize and maintain their health coverage all year. Navigators must complete comprehensive federal Navigator training, criminal background checks, and state training and registration (when applicable), prior to assisting consumers.

On August 26, 2022, CMS awarded $98.9 million in Navigator grant awards to 59 organizations to continue serving as Navigators in the 30 states with a FFM. These awards support the work of organizations that offer assistance to consumers navigating, shopping for, and enrolling in health insurance coverage for plan year 2023.

Note: Effective December 31, 2022, one organization voluntarily withdrew from the Navigator program.

A list of 2022 Navigator grant recipients can be found here: 2022 Navigator Grant Recipients (PDF). The 2022 Navigator awards are for the second 12-month budget period of a 36-month period of performance, which runs August 27, 2021 through August 26, 2024. Entities and individuals cannot serve as Navigators in the FFM without receiving federal grant funding from CMS to perform Navigator duties.

Additional Resources for Navigator Applicants

Archived Resources for Navigator Grantees

Navigator Grant Recipients

Certified Application Counselors (CACs)

Certified application counselor designated organizations (CDOs) are a vital component of the assister community. In the Federally-facilitated Marketplaces (FFMs), CDOs oversee certified application counselors (CACs) who are trained and able to help consumers seeking health insurance coverage options through an FFM. Organizations that wish to become CDOs designated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to serve in an FFM must submit an online application and enter into an agreement with CMS. These groups might include community health centers or other health care providers, hospitals, or social service agencies.

Additional Resources for CACs

Enrollment Assistance Program (EAP)

The EAP was a contracted assistance model leveraged to help enroll consumers in the inaugural days of the Marketplaces. The original EAP contracts established temporary storefronts and labor forces intended to supplement the year-round enrollment support provided by Navigators and CACs in FFM population centers. The Marketplace intends to revive the EAP, this time deploying "mobile assisters" across population centers identified by HHS.

Agents and Brokers

Agents and brokers also play a key role in the Health Insurance Marketplace. To the extent permitted by states, agents and brokers play an important role in educating consumers about Marketplaces and insurance affordability programs, and helping consumers receive eligibility determinations, apply for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, compare plans, and enroll in coverage. In particular, agents and brokers play a critical role in helping qualified employers and employees enroll in coverage through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). Consumers may want to obtain professional advice from agents and brokers when applying for and selecting a qualified health plan. Below is a link to the CMS webpage for agents and brokers choosing to participate in Federally-facilitated Marketplaces.

Additional Resources for Agents and Brokers

 

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