Governor Kasich Signs Health Insurance Navigators Legislation

State Representative Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) today attended Governor Kasich’s executive signing of Substitute House Bill 3. The legislation, which was jointly sponsored by Rep. Kunze and Rep. Barbara Sears (R-Monclova Twp.), gives the State of Ohio the authority to regulate health insurance navigators.

Health insurance navigators are individuals or entities charged with helping citizens obtain information relating to health insurance offerings through health exchanges. The legislation makes changes to the Ohio Revised Code, specifically regarding the licensing and education requirements for insurance agents who wish to serve as a navigator, as well as the manner in which the state will regulate navigators under the federal health care law.

“House Bill 3 is a consumer protection bill,” said Rep. Kunze. “By establishing training and continuing education requirements, criminal records checks, conflict of interest disclosures, and certifications, we are ensuring that Ohio’s consumers are working with knowledgeable and trustworthy professionals. I am pleased that Gov. Kasich agrees that consumer protection is a priority.”

Substitute House Bill 3 specifies that navigators are not licensed insurance agents and therefore are prohibited from engaging in selling insurance and related functions.

The bill received strong bipartisan support from members of the Legislature.