Ohio House bill calls for state to regulate ACA 'navigators'

The Ohio House of Representatives approved a bill this week that would give the state regulatory authority over "healthcare navigators," or ACA-mandated guides that are charged with helping individuals and small businesses purchase coverage through the health insurance exchanges (Source: "Ohio House OKs regulations to help guide businesses on Obamacare insurance exchanges," Cleveland Plain Dealer, Dec. 6, 2012).

The Republican-sponsored House Bill 613 passed the House by a 56-32 vote Wednesday and now will be taken up in the Senate.

"House Bill 613 is the first step in declaring state authority as it relates to navigators and the exchange, and it is the only step we should take at this time," said Rep. Barbara Sears (R-Monclova Township), the sponsor of the bill, in a statement.

The bill calls for the Ohio Department of Insurance to set up a certification and training program for navigators.