Since the Affordable Care Act was signed and enacted back in 2010, there has been a demand for Obamacare navigators. These are individuals and firms who are trained to assist the general public with selecting from the variety of health insurance plans that are available through the Marketplace. These are good paying jobs that need people to fill them now that an open enrollment period is coming up in November, 2016.
As of 2013, consumers across the country were given access to affordable health insurance through multiple Marketplace options as well as the programs that have been put into place through the government. Since every American citizen is required to hold some form of minimum essential coverage as mandated by the Affordable Care Act, consumers are going to require help understanding and applying for new insurance or changing their existing policy during an open enrollment period. Some may qualify to apply for coverage beyond the open enrollment period as part of a special qualifying event that allows them to access the Marketplace and navigators will still be in demand once the upcoming open enrollment period comes to an end in 2017.
The Duties of a Navigator
The navigator is an essential part of the insurance process under Obamacare. Each one is expected to perform a variety of functions as mandated by the Affordable Care Act.
The first is awareness. Navigators are tasked with educating the public on which plans are available both inside and outside of the exchanges. They are required to have the requisite knowledge pertaining to each plan and how much coverage it provides. They are expected to know the standards for minimum sufficient coverage under the law and have the ability to communicate these standards to consumers.
Navigators are also an important part of the enrollment process. They facilitate electronic and paper applications to determine the eligibility of consumers for coverage under certain plans in addition to any cost sharing programs and tax credits that are applicable for their income level, household size, and other factors. They are expected to disseminate fair and impartial information about the various plans that are available under these deciding factors should they apply.
They also help refer consumers to the appropriate agencies should they encounter a problem with their plan and need to file an appeal or grievance due to a denial or termination of coverage. Obamacare navigators are also required to offer any and all information in a professional and courteous manner in language that is easily understood by the consumer.
Qualifications for Obamacare Navigators
Before you start searching out resources for job opportunities, you may want to familiarize yourself with the insurance industry at least in some small measure. A college degree is not necessary in order to apply for a navigator job, but the qualifications that are in place in order to be hired may vary from state to state.
Due to federal grant funds being allocated to employ navigators, applicants are expected to complete a 20-hour federal navigator training course at which point you will be expected to pass an online examination that demonstrates your knowledge of the Affordable Care Act. You may also be required to receive state-level training and become registered by the state, if applicable in your area.
Every applicant will also need to submit to a criminal background check. These steps must all be completed in full before any navigator is able to work with consumers.
The training process is very important for becoming an Obamacare navigator because they are expected to learn and retain so much critical information. The Affordable Care Act is complex and some consumers may find parts of it confusing and difficult to understand.
Your job as a navigator is to answer any and all questions that the public may have as they make an effort to comply with the law. Some portions of the Obamacare mandates can run hundreds of pages in length and it is absolutely critical that you fully understand the myriad of regulations that are part and parcel of the Affordable Care Act. The insurance application alone is a lengthy document and comes with a 61-page questionnaire that must be filled out should an applicant wish to establish eligibility for financial assistance.
Where to Find Navigator Jobs
Navigator jobs are available with a variety of different type of organizations and entities that may qualify to become navigators at both the federal and state level. They include community and consumer advocacy non-profit groups; professional, industry, and trade organizations; commercial ranching, farming, and fishing associations; any chamber of commerce; listed insurance agents and brokers, among many other entities.
Each of these organizations must have the ability to connect with uninsured and under-insured consumers, employers and their employees, and self-employed consumers. These relationships are vital to the Affordable Care Act being implemented properly and effectively. Without the appropriate methods for outreach in place, these entities or organizations will be unable to fulfill the duties expected of them in assisting the general public with obtaining proper insurance coverage.
Navigators are not permitted to be health insurers nor are they able to receive compensation from an insurer as a result of enrollment by any exchange-eligible individuals or employers in a qualified health plan.
Finding Work
Now that you’re aware of the qualifications and requirements that come with applying for an Obamacare navigator job, you can begin seeking out employment opportunities. Online job search sites have a number of these positions available and you can apply directly through these sites.
You also have the option of searching out which entities and organizations that qualify to become navigators in your area and contacting one or more of them in your area to inquire about applying for an open position within the organization.
As with any job, you will be required to submit a resume with all relevant work experience, educational background, and any additional pertinent information that could help you get the job. Many of these entities will also require you to write a cover letter to introduce yourself and declare with position you are applying for within their firm.
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