State lawmakers have approved a bill putting extra requirements into place for so-called health insurance navigators.
Under the Affordable Care Act, navigators help people buy health coverage on the insurance marketplace. Wednesday, the Arizona House and Senate approved a bill that requires navigators to pass a background check, and to get licensed through the state Insurance Department.
The bill exempts navigators working on tribal land who have already passed a background check.
Supporters of the move say it protects consumers from identity theft, since navigators are privy to sensitive personal information. But Democrats who oppose the bill say it’s just an attempt to slow down enrollment under the health care reform championed by President Barack Obama, and they say it’s an unnecessary move because navigators already have a contract with the federal government.
The bill now goes to Gov. Jan Brewer.