Agent roles under Obamneycrap is still up in the air but according to an article in LifeHealthPro there are groups fighting for agent involvement.
and . . .
Thanks, but no thanks . . .
Under the final rule, states will also be allowed to:
• allow agents and brokers to assist qualified employers and employees (as well as individuals) in enrolling in exchange plans (known as “qualified health plans (“QHPs”), and in submitting applications for premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies to help individuals pay for their insurance
• allow agents and brokers to participate in the “Navigator” program that is specifically designed to educate the public about exchanges and assist with enrollment
• display information about agents and brokers on the websites that exchanges will be required to set up to serve as an access portal for the public
and . . .
“Compensation mechanisms for these entities will be determined by the state,” the analysts said.
Other sources said the functions that will be the responsibility of the states include certifying qualified health plans; operating a website for comparing plans; running a toll-free hotline for consumer support; providing grants to “navigators” to assist consumers; determining eligibility of consumers; and helping consumers enroll.
Other sources noted that certain elements will disappoint insurers and consumers. “Insurers, wanted less discretion for states,” said PoliticoPro. “They wanted HHS to prevent exchanges from imposing requirements on plans in the exchanges beyond what is included in the health care reform law.”
If a website of an agent or broker is used to complete the QHP selection, the website must meet certain minimum requirements.
The private website must: meet all disclosure standards and QHP display requirements regarding standardized comparison information and accessibility (e.g., plain language and accessible, timely disclosures), provide consumers the ability to view all QHPs offered through the exchange; not provide financial incentives, such as rebates or giveaways; and display all QHP data provided by the exchange, these lawyers say.
The private website must also maintain audit trails and records in an electronic format for a minimum of 10 years; and provide consumers with the ability to withdraw from the process and use the exchange website instead at any time.
These lawyers note that all agents and brokers enrolling qualified individuals in QHPs or assisting individuals applying for advance payments of the premium tax credit and cost-sharing reductions must enter into and abide by an agreement with the exchange.
At a minimum, the lawyers say, the agreement must require agents and brokers to register with the exchange in advance of enrolling any individuals in QHPs; receive training regarding the range of QHP options and insurance affordability programs; and comply with the Exchange’s privacy and security standards.
Agents and brokers enrolling or assisting individuals through the exchange must comply with all state laws related to agents and brokers, including laws related to confidentiality and conflicts of interest, these lawyers said.
Regarding the much-maligned Navigator program, a separate and distinct mechanism for providing education and assistance concerning the Exchanges, the final rule specifies that states may select licensed agents and brokers to serve as Navigators, one legal analysis says.
Thanks, but no thanks . . .
-Allen
