Lax Rules for Insurance Navigators Put Consumers at Risk

When purchasing insurance through the federal exchange, Americans are supposed to be able to rely on navigators for impartial information and assistance as they move through the complex process.

The recent glitches in the exchange website make it even more imperative for citizens to have access to trusted and expert support.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius admitted to a congressional panel on Wednesday, November 6 that it is possible for convicted felons to become navigators. Federal law does not require navigators to undergo criminal background checks even though they could come into contact with sensitive personal information about the clients they are meant to serve.

The organizations that hire navigators are supposed to screen them, but Americans have no guarantee that they will do their job effectively.

To better protect Missourians, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 262 last year. This law requires navigators working in our state to become licensed by applying, passing an examination, and paying a fee.

Before the Director of the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions, and Professional Registration approves an application, he or she must determine that the applicant has not committed any acts that would cause an insurance producer’s license to be revoked. Applicants would be disqualified for a variety of offenses, including committing a felony, violating insurance law, or improperly withholding money.

SB 262 goes further to protect consumers than federal statute but does not specifically require a background check for all applicants.

Purchasing health insurance requires the transmission of highly personal information that deserves the highest level of security.

Problems have plagued the exchange since its inception, so states must diligently protect the privacy and security of their citizens.