FL questions health exchange navigators

Numerous states have instituted measures to protect resident data when they enroll in the health insurance exchanges, and Florida is one of the states raising concerns over marketplace navigators.

According to National Public Radio, Florida lawmakers are questioning the security of private information and the training of health insurance exchange navigators. Gov. Rick Scott has already expressed he feels federal regulations regarding the marketplace guides are inadequate in protecting and using private data when residents enter the exchanges. According to NPR, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has already announced it will provide $67 million in grants to assist healthcare groups and organizations in creating navigator networks. While the federal government is requiring the insurance guides to participate in training and must pass a test, Florida lawmakers feel it will not be enough to keep information secure.

Florida Today reported HHS provided the state with $8 million in grants designated to the hiring and employment of the marketplace guides. Although residents have the choice of what information they would like to provide navigators, Florida lawmakers feel there aren't enough securities in place if marketplace participants do choose to share personal data.