S. 2024: Expand Navigators’ Resources for Outreach, Learning, and Longevity Act of 2025 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, known as the Expand Navigators’ Resources for Outreach, Learning, and Longevity Act of 2025 (or ENROLL Act of 2025), aims to enhance the navigator program established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The navigator program assists individuals in understanding their health insurance options and how to use them effectively. Here is a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Overview of the Navigator Program Enhancements

The bill proposes several changes to improve the navigator program, which is responsible for helping the public navigate health insurance exchanges. It includes the following key amendments:

Grants for Navigator Entities

The bill specifies that when awarding grants for navigator services, exchanges must select entities based on their ability to fulfill the program’s duties.
There is a requirement that each year, at least one of these entities must be a community-focused, nonprofit organization.

Expanded Scope of Information

Under this bill:

Entities receiving grants are required to provide information not only about qualified health plans but also about state Medicaid plans and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Additionally, navigators must conduct public education activities in clear and understandable language to inform individuals about the protections offered by qualified health plans.

Public Assistance Accessibility

Another significant change mandated by the bill is that navigators should ensure in-person assistance to consumers:

Navigators must maintain a physical presence in the state where the exchange operates to provide direct support to individuals seeking help.

Funding for Navigation Services

The bill also addresses the funding aspect for navigator services:

It allocates $100 million from user fees collected from health insurance plans for the operation of navigators within federal exchanges, ensuring these funds are available for each fiscal year from 2026 onwards.

Implementation Timeline

The changes proposed in this legislation will take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, allowing time for the necessary adjustments to be made by the navigators and exchanges.