thought it might be of interest. B sure to read the training recs. Startin' to get a little concerned
So, let me get this straight. The state wants to replace licensed agents with navigators who are not licensed and can't actually give advice? As they interpret the law, it seems agents were doomed on the day the law was passed. They redirected commissions to "grants" that will be funded by the consumer (through higher premiums) and taxpayers if the exchange is implemented. Grants are government operated beasts of inefficiency with Navigator Directors being overpaid and implementation/ongoing administrative costs more than projected. While I believe navigators are necessary for a segment of the population in hard to reach places, licensed agents are better prepared to handle the rest of the population. A combination is the best solution. Otherwise, you are putting a lot of small businesses out on the streets. Kansas agents beware!
Read More: Kansas Health Institute: Exchange planning group eyes governing structure
Navigator Training Recommendations
Navigators
The reform law also requires that there be "navigators" to help guide people through the expected complexities of an exchange. The assumption is that many people, particularly those who are poor or ill, might need help figuring out how to use the online system.
Navigators, according to the Affordable Care Act, cannot be paid for their services by insurance companies so that there is no incentive for them to steer those they help to a particular health plan.
Instead, the expectation is the navigators would be volunteers affiliated with church or business groups or other organizations that are able to effectively connect with subpopulations of the uninsured.
Navigator organizations would be funded by government grants. The law doesn't exclude insurance agents and brokers from serving as navigators, but because they couldn't earn commissions, there is thought to be little incentive for them to want to do it.
So, let me get this straight. The state wants to replace licensed agents with navigators who are not licensed and can't actually give advice? As they interpret the law, it seems agents were doomed on the day the law was passed. They redirected commissions to "grants" that will be funded by the consumer (through higher premiums) and taxpayers if the exchange is implemented. Grants are government operated beasts of inefficiency with Navigator Directors being overpaid and implementation/ongoing administrative costs more than projected. While I believe navigators are necessary for a segment of the population in hard to reach places, licensed agents are better prepared to handle the rest of the population. A combination is the best solution. Otherwise, you are putting a lot of small businesses out on the streets. Kansas agents beware!
Read More: Kansas Health Institute: Exchange planning group eyes governing structure
Navigator Training Recommendations
Navigators
The reform law also requires that there be "navigators" to help guide people through the expected complexities of an exchange. The assumption is that many people, particularly those who are poor or ill, might need help figuring out how to use the online system.
Navigators, according to the Affordable Care Act, cannot be paid for their services by insurance companies so that there is no incentive for them to steer those they help to a particular health plan.
Instead, the expectation is the navigators would be volunteers affiliated with church or business groups or other organizations that are able to effectively connect with subpopulations of the uninsured.
Navigator organizations would be funded by government grants. The law doesn't exclude insurance agents and brokers from serving as navigators, but because they couldn't earn commissions, there is thought to be little incentive for them to want to do it.
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