Last month, an Illinois Senate bill defining the role healthcare exchange navigators will play was approved by the state's General Assembly and sent to Gov. Pat Quinn, who, as of Tuesday, is reviewing the legislation.
Navigators are community representatives tasked with helping people and employers seeking to purchase coverage on the benefits marketplaces. They're expected to guide users through the shopping and selection process without recommending any specific plan.
Critics of the legislation claim it will limit the amount of information navigators will be able to pass on to consumers. Illinois Health Matters, a nonprofit advocacy group, is among those who oppose the bill.
"SB1194/HB2608 would create overly restrictive criteria for organizations and agencies that wish to serve as 'navigators', making it more difficult for vulnerable populations to be connected with their new options for affordable health insurance coverage," the organization stated.
Meanwhile, supporters of the legislation, like insurance brokers, are nervous that without the law, their jobs could be jeopardized, Crain's Chicago Business explained.
The news source explained that Illinois is one of many states that have passed or are considering legislation defining the roles of navigators beyond the guidelines provided by the federal government.