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Timestamp: 2018-04-25 17:04:45
Document Index: 102197071

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 155', 'art 155', 'art 155', 'art 155', 'arts 74', 'art 92', 'art 3']

Department of Health and Human Services. No. 137 July 17, Part II - PDF
Department of Health and Human Services. No. 137 July 17, Part II
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1 Vol. 78 Wednesday, No. 137 July 17, 2013 Part II Department of Health and Human Services 45 CFR Part 155 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Exchange Functions: Standards for Navigators and Non-Navigator Assistance Personnel; Consumer Assistance Tools and Programs of an Exchange and Certified Application Counselors; Final Rule VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4717 Sfmt 4717 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2
2 42824 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 45 CFR Part 155 [CMS 9955 F; CMS 2334 F2] RIN 0938 AR75; 0938 AR04 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Exchange Functions: Standards for Navigators and Non-Navigator Assistance Personnel; Consumer Assistance Tools and Programs of an Exchange and Certified Application Counselors AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This final rule addresses various requirements applicable to personnel in Federally-facilitated Exchanges, including State Partnership Exchanges, and to non-navigator assistance personnel in State Exchanges that are funded through federal Exchange Establishment grants. It finalizes the requirement that Exchanges must have a certified application counselor program. It creates conflict-ofinterest, training and certification, and meaningful access standards; clarifies that any licensing, certification, or other standards prescribed by a state or Exchange must not prevent application of the provisions of title I of the Affordable Care Act; adds entities with relationships to issuers of stop loss insurance to the list of entities that are ineligible to become Navigators; and clarifies that the same ineligibility criteria that apply to Navigators apply to certain non-navigator assistance personnel. The final rule also directs that each Exchange designate organizations which will then certify their staff members and volunteers to be application counselors that assist consumers and facilitate enrollment in qualified health plans and insurance affordability programs, and provides standards for that designation. DATES: Effective Date: These regulations are effective on August 12, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joan Matlack, (888) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background On January 22, 2013, CMS issued a proposed rule which, among other things, proposed standards to ensure the availability of certified application counselors in the Exchange and proposed to clarify the training requirements under (d) and (e), which govern the consumer assistance functions of the Exchange. 1 Certified application counselors were proposed as a type of assistance personnel to help individuals in each Exchange apply for enrollment in a qualified health plan (QHP) and in insurance affordability programs, which include Medicaid, Children s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and advance payments of the premium tax credit and cost-sharing reductions in connection with QHPs offered through the Exchange. Subsequently, on April 5, 2013, CMS issued a proposed rule to create conflictof-interest, training and certification, and meaningful access standards applicable to Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel in Federally-facilitated Exchanges, including State Partnership Exchanges, and to non-navigator assistance personnel in State Exchanges that are funded through federal Exchange Establishment grants. 2 We are finalizing both proposals in this document to make it easier to understand these three types of assistance programs, the role each program plays, and the standards that are applicable to each program. A. Introduction The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Pub. L ) was enacted on March 23, 2010; the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (Pub. L ) was enacted on March 30, These laws are collectively known as the Affordable Care Act. Beginning on October 1, 2013, individuals, families, and small businesses will be able to purchase private health insurance through competitive marketplaces called Affordable Insurance Exchanges (Exchanges), also known as Health Insurance Marketplaces. The Exchanges will provide competitive marketplaces where individuals and small employers can compare available private health insurance options on the basis of price, quality, and other factors. The Exchanges, which will offer coverage that is effective beginning as early as January 1, 2014, will help enhance competition in the health insurance market, improve choice of affordable 1 Medicaid, Children s Health Insurance Programs, and Exchanges: Essential Health Benefits in Alternative Benefit Plans, Eligibility Notices, Fair Hearing and Appeal Processes for Medicaid and Exchange Eligibility Appeals and Other Provisions Related to Eligibility and Enrollment for Exchanges, Medicaid and CHIP, and Medicaid Premiums and Cost Sharing, 78 FR 4594 (proposed Jan. 22, 2013). 2 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Exchange Functions: Standards for Navigators and Non-Navigator Assistance Personnel, 78 FR (proposed April 5, 2013). VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 health insurance, and give small businesses the same purchasing power as large businesses. Pursuant to sections 1311(b) and 1321(b) of the Affordable Care Act, each state has the opportunity to establish an Exchange that (1) facilitates the purchase of insurance coverage by qualified individuals through Qualified Health Plans (QHPs); (2) assists qualified employers in the enrollment of their employees in QHPs; and (3) meets other standards specified in the Affordable Care Act. These are referred to as State Exchanges. Section 1321(c)(1) of the Affordable Care Act requires the Secretary of HHS ( Secretary ) to establish and operate Exchanges within states that either: (1) Do not elect to establish an Exchange; or (2) as determined by the Secretary on or before January 1, 2013, will not have any required Exchange operational by January 1, These HHS-operated Exchanges are referred to as Federallyfacilitated Exchanges. The Secretary has also explained through guidance that these Federally-facilitated Exchanges may include State Partnership Exchanges in which states may assume significant responsibility for key Exchange functions. 3 Generally, a State Partnership Exchange will take one of two forms: a State Plan Management Partnership Exchange or a State Consumer Partnership Exchange (Consumer Partnership Exchange). States may also assume both of these types of responsibilities. Consumers can receive assistance from a variety of sources when seeking access to health insurance coverage through an Exchange. Sections 1311(d)(4)(K) and 1311(i) of the Affordable Care Act, and the regulation implementing those provisions, 45 CFR , direct all Exchanges to award grants to Navigators to conduct public education activities to raise awareness about the Exchange; provide fair, accurate, and impartial information to consumers about health insurance, the Exchange, QHPs, and insurance affordability programs, including premium tax credits, Medicaid, and the Children s Health Insurance Program (CHIP); facilitate enrollment in QHPs; to provide referrals to consumer assistance programs (CAPs) and health insurance ombudsmen for enrollees with 3 See 77 FR 18310, (Mar. 27, 2012); General Guidance on Federally-facilitated Exchanges (May 16, 2012) at CCIIO/Resources/Fact-Sheets-and-FAQs/ Downloads/ffe-guidance pdf; and Guidance on the State Partnership Exchange (Jan. 3, 2013) at Fact-Sheets-and-FAQs/Downloads/partnershipguidance pdf.
3 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations grievances, complaints, or questions about their health plan or coverage; and provide information in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate. Navigators can play an important role in facilitating a consumer s enrollment in a QHP by providing fair, impartial, and accurate information that assists consumers with submitting the eligibility application, clarifying the distinctions among QHPs, and helping qualified individuals make informed decisions during the health plan selection process. The Exchange regulations also authorize Exchanges to perform certain consumer service functions in addition to the Navigator program. 45 CFR (d) provides that each Exchange must conduct consumer assistance activities, and (e) provides that each Exchange must conduct outreach and education activities to inform consumers about the Exchange and insurance affordability programs to encourage participation. The consumer assistance function authorized by (d) includes the Navigator grant program established under section 1311(i) of the Affordable Care Act and Section (d) and (e) also allow for the establishment of a non-navigator consumer assistance program. The non-navigator assistance program authorized by (d) and (e) will help ensure that the Exchange is providing outreach, education, and assistance to as broad a range of consumers as possible so that all consumers can receive help when accessing health insurance coverage through an Exchange. Non-Navigator assistance programs include what have sometimes been referred to as inperson assistance programs. State Exchanges may, but need not, establish non-navigator assistance programs. However, a state that voluntarily participates in a State Partnership Exchange focusing on consumer assistance functions (also known as a Consumer Partnership Exchange) will be expected to establish and operate a non-navigator assistance program as a condition of participation in the State Partnership Exchange, and will be expected to do so in a way that is consistent with the policies and interpretations HHS adopts for (d) and (e) for the Federallyfacilitated Exchanges. Section 1311(i)(6) prohibits Exchanges from using section 1311(a) grant funds to fund Navigator programs. However, State Exchanges and state partners in Consumer Partnership Exchanges may use section 1311(a) Exchange Establishment grants to fund non-navigator assistance programs consistent with the discussion of this policy that can be found at 78 FR through (April 5, 2013). Section 1413 of the Affordable Care Act directs the Secretary to establish, subject to minimum requirements, a streamlined enrollment system for QHPs and all insurance affordability programs, which include the Medicaid and CHIP programs. The January 22, 2013 proposed rule noted that State Medicaid and CHIP agencies have a long history of offering application assistance programs through which application counselors have had a key role in promoting enrollment for low-income individuals seeking coverage, and we believe that making such assistance available for the Exchange will be critical to achieving a high rate of enrollment. The January 22, 2013 proposed rule also stated that section 1321(a) of the Affordable Care Act provides broad authority for the Secretary to establish standards and regulations to implement the statutory standards related to Exchanges, QHPs, and other standards of title I of the Affordable Care Act. Accordingly, the proposed rule proposed the establishment of the certified application counselor program for the Exchanges. The certified application counselor program makes available through the Exchange another type of assistance personnel to provide information to consumers and facilitate their enrollment in QHPs and insurance affordability programs. This will help streamline the enrollment system for QHPs and all insurance affordability programs. As we proposed in the January 22, 2013 proposed rule, certified application counselors will provide information to individuals and employees about insurance affordability programs and coverage options; assist individuals and employees in applying for coverage in a QHP through the Exchange and in insurance affordability programs; and help facilitate enrollment in QHPs and insurance affordability programs. Unlike Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel to which applies who have a duty to provide referrals to offices of health insurance consumer assistance or health insurance ombudsman established under section 2793 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, or any other appropriate State agency or agencies, and to assist an enrollee with a grievance, complaint, or question regarding their health plan, coverage, or a determination under such plan or coverage certified application counselors are not expected to have the knowledge to make these types of VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 referrals since their role is limited to providing enrollment assistance to consumers. Certified application counselors can provide skilled application assistance in entities such as community health centers, health care providers, social service organizations, and local governmental entities that do not otherwise serve as Navigators. An organization that applies for and has been designated by the Exchange for this work must ensure that those staff members and volunteers it certifies as application counselors meet and comply with the application counselor certification and other requirements. We do not expect Exchanges to fund certified application counselors or certified application counselor organizations. State Exchanges may use their section 1311(a) Establishment grants on costs incurred by the Exchange in establishing a training program for certified application counselors. State Exchanges may not, however, use section 1311(a) Establishment grant funds to pay certified application counselors or certified application counselor organizations. No section 1311(a) funding is available for certified application counselor training program costs in Federally-facilitated or State Partnership Exchanges, because the federal government is responsible for and states will not be involved in implementing the certified application counselor training program in those Exchanges. Nothing in the final rule prohibits certified application counselors from being funded through other sources, including applicable private, state, or federal programs. The January 22, 2013 proposed rule proposed standards for certification of individuals as certified application counselors, including training requirements; disclosure to the Exchange and applicants of any financial or other relationships, either of the individual application counselor or of the sponsoring organization; and compliance with confidentiality requirements. We also proposed requiring certified application counselors to provide information with reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities when providing inperson assistance. The proposed certified application counselor standards were less extensive than the standards for Navigators and non- Navigator assistance programs proposed for certain Exchanges in the April 5, 2013 proposed rule, because certified application counselors will have a more limited role.
4 42826 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations The April 5, 2013 proposed rule sought comments on whether the broader standards for Navigators and non-navigator assistance programs to which applies should apply to certified application counselors. We have not applied all these standards to certified application counselors, but have applied to certified application counselors certain elements from and that we believe are consistent with the goals of the certified application counselor program. For example, in (c)(1), we have added the requirement that all certified application counselors must provide information to consumers about the full range of QHP options and insurance affordability programs for which they are eligible, as certain Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel are required to do under (a)(1)(iii) and (a)(2)(iv). We have also added a training examination requirement to (d)(1) that is similar to the one in (b)(1)(iii). 1. Overview of Program Differences Navigators, non-navigator assistance personnel, and certified application counselors all will provide consumerfocused assistance with applications for and enrollment in QHPs and insurance affordability programs. Navigators and certified application counselors will perform these functions in all Exchanges. The primary differences between the standards for Navigator and non- Navigator assistance programs and the standards for certified application counselors that we finalize in this rule relate to conflict of interest standards, eligibility requirements and prerequisites, and culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) and disability access standards. For example, this rule, at 45 CFR (d)(4) requires certified application counselors to act in the best interest of the applicants and enrollees assisted. In contrast, 45 CFR (e)(2), which applies to Navigators in all Exchanges, requires them to [p]rovide information and services in a fair, accurate and impartial manner. This rule extends the same requirement to non-navigator assistance programs in State Partnership Exchanges, and to non-navigator assistance programs in State Exchanges funded by federal Exchange Establishment grant funds. Navigators and non-navigator assistance programs must provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services, but we are not requiring certified application counselors to comply with CLAS standards beyond any existing obligations they may have. We do, however, encourage certified application counselors to utilize the CLAS standards as a resource. 45 CFR (e)(5) and (d) and (e) require Navigators and non-navigator assistance programs to provide meaningful access to people with disabilities, and we proposed a similar requirement for certified application counselors. We are modifying that provision to allow certified application counselors to provide information with reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities through referrals to Navigators, non-navigator assistance personnel, and/or the Exchange call center. Additionally, Navigators and non- Navigator assisters are both required to conduct consumer education and outreach activities under (e) and (e)(1). Certified application counselors will provide information about QHPs and insurance affordability programs as well as application and enrollment assistance but are not required to conduct outreach activities. A broad range of entities are eligible to become Navigators, including community and consumer-focused nonprofits, tribes and tribal organizations, local human service agencies, and agents and brokers. A similar range of groups is likely to become non-navigator assistance personnel, although that determination will be up to each Exchange. In all Exchange models, entities ineligible to become Navigators include health insurance issuers and their subsidiaries, issuers of stop loss insurance and their subsidiaries, associations that include members of or that lobby on behalf of the insurance industry, and entities that receive any consideration directly or indirectly from any health insurance issuer or issuer of stop loss insurance in connection with the enrollment of any individuals or employees in a QHP or non-qhp insurance product. This same ineligibility provision applies to non- Navigator assistance personnel in the Federally-facilitated Exchange, including State Partnership Exchanges, as well as non-navigator assistance personnel in State Exchanges if funded by section 1311(a) Exchange Establishment grant funds. Certified application counselors are not barred from becoming a certified application counselor because of potential conflicts of interest, but must disclose potential conflicts of interest to applicants they seek to assist. In this final rule, we amend what we proposed in the proposed rule, and VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 provide that Exchanges may designate organizations to certify their staff members and volunteers who meet all of the requirements to be certified application counselors, rather than the Exchanges directly certifying individual application counselors. However, Exchanges may certify individual application counselors directly if they choose. B. Legislative and Regulatory Overview 1. Consumer Assistance Tools and Programs of an Exchange ( ) Section 1321(a)(1) of the Affordable Care Act directs the Secretary to issue regulations that set standards for meeting the requirements of title I of the Affordable Care Act, with respect to, among other things, the establishment and operation of Exchanges. Pursuant to this authority, the Secretary issued (d) and (e) which establishes the consumer assistance function of the Exchange. 4 This section directs that the Exchange conduct outreach and education activities to educate consumers about the Exchange and encourage participation and that the Exchange have a consumer assistance function, including but not limited to a Navigator program as described in Navigators and Non-Navigator Assistance Personnel ( & ) Section 1311(d)(4)(K) and 1311(i) of the Affordable Care Act directs each Exchange to establish a program under which it awards grants to Navigators who will carry out the listed, required duties. A final rule implementing section 1311(d)(4)(K) and 1311(i) of the Affordable Care Act was published on March 27, 2012 (77 FR 18310) and is codified at 45 CFR Section 1311(i)(3) of the Affordable Care Act lists the duties Navigators must perform. Section (e), which implements this provision, provides that these duties include the following: Maintaining expertise in eligibility, enrollment, and program specifications; conducting public education activities to raise awareness about the Exchange; providing information and services in a fair, accurate, and impartial manner, including information that acknowledges other health programs such as Medicaid and CHIP; facilitating selection of a QHP; providing referrals for consumers with questions, complaints, or grievances to any 4 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Establishment of Exchanges and Qualified Health Plans; Exchange Standards for Employers, 77 FR (Mar. 27, 2012).
5 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations applicable office of health insurance consumer assistance or health insurance ombudsman established under section 2793 of the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act), or any other appropriate state agency or agencies; providing information in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, including to persons with limited English proficiency; and, ensuring accessibility and usability of Navigator tools and functions for persons with disabilities. Section 1311(i)(4) directs the Secretary to establish standards for Navigators, including provisions to ensure that any entity selected as a Navigator is qualified, and licensed if appropriate, to engage in the Navigator activities required by the law and to avoid conflicts of interest. 45 CFR (b)(1), which implements this provision, directs each Exchange to develop and publicly disseminate... [a] set of standards, to be met by all entities and individuals awarded Navigator grants, designed to prevent, minimize and mitigate any conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, that may exist for an entity or individuals to be awarded a Navigator grant and to ensure that all entities and individuals carrying out Navigator functions have appropriate integrity. Additionally, 45 CFR (c)(1)(iv) provides that a Navigator must not have a conflict of interest during its term as Navigator. 45 CFR (b)(2) directs Exchanges to develop and publicly disseminate a set of training standards, to be met by all entities and individuals carrying out Navigator functions, to ensure Navigator expertise in the needs of underserved and vulnerable populations, eligibility and enrollment rules and procedures, the range of QHP options and insurance affordability programs, and privacy and security requirements applicable to personally identifiable information. This regulation develops and disseminates standards under (b)(1) and (2) for the Federallyfacilitated Exchanges, including State Partnership Exchanges, and for non- Navigator assistance personnel in State Exchanges that are funded through federal Exchange Establishment grants. These standards could also be used by State Exchanges at their discretion for their Navigator programs and for any non-navigator assistance programs not funded with 1311(a) Exchange Establishment grants. 45 CFR (c)(1)(iii) also implements section 1311(i)(4) of the Affordable Care Act, and directs that, in order to receive a Navigator grant, entities or individuals must meet any licensing, certification, or other standards prescribed by the state or Exchange. We amend this provision in this final rule to provide that it applies so long as such standards do not prevent the application of the provisions of title I of the Affordable Care Act. Section 1311(i)(4) of the Affordable Care Act also specifies that under the standards established by the Secretary, Navigators shall not be health insurance issuers or receive any consideration directly or indirectly from any health insurance issuer in connection with the enrollment of any qualified individuals or employees of a qualified employer in QHPs. 45 CFR (d), which implements this provision, prohibits Navigators from being health insurance issuers. It also provides that Navigators must not receive any compensation directly or indirectly from health insurance issuers in connection with the enrollment of individuals or employees, whether that enrollment is in QHPs or in non-qhps. Section (d) further clarifies that a Navigator must not be a subsidiary of a health insurance issuer, or be an association that includes members of or lobbies on behalf of the insurance industry. In this final rule we amend Section (d) to include a prohibition on most of these same relationships with stop loss insurance issuers. Section 1311(i)(5) of the Affordable Care Act directs the Secretary to develop standards to ensure that information made available by Navigators is fair, accurate, and impartial. 45 CFR (c)(2) directs the Exchange to select at least two different types of entities as Navigators, one of which must be a community and consumer-focused non-profit group. 45 CFR (d) directs Exchanges to have a consumer assistance function that meets the accessibility standards set forth in (c). This consumer assistance function includes the Navigator program provided for by section 1311(i) of the Affordable Care Act and 45 CFR , but is not limited to the Navigator program. 45 CFR (e) directs Exchanges to conduct outreach and education activities that also meet the accessibility standards in (c), and to educate consumers about the Exchange and insurance affordability programs to encourage participation. The accessibility standards for (d) and (e), as detailed in (c), include a requirement that applicants and enrollees be provided information in plain language and in a manner that is accessible and timely for persons with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency. We are finalizing VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 here portions of the January 22, 2013 proposed rule regarding training requirements under (d), 5 and amend (d) to require both personnel to be trained regarding QHP options, insurance affordability programs, eligibility, and benefits rules and regulations governing all insurance affordability programs operated in the state as implemented in the state, prior to providing consumer assistance. 3. Certified Application Counselors Section 1321(a)(1) of the Affordable Care Act directs and authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations setting standards for meeting the requirements under title I of the Affordable Care Act, with respect to, among other things, the establishment and operation of Exchanges. Pursuant to this authority, the Secretary is issuing , which establishes the certified application counselor program as a consumer assistance function of the Exchange separate from and in addition to the functions described in (d) and (e), , and Section specifies that certified application counselors will provide information to consumers about health coverage options and assist them with applying for and enrolling in QHPs and insurance affordability programs. C. Overview of Final Rule 1. Consumer Assistance Tools and Programs of an Exchange ( ) This final regulation amends (d) by separating it into subparagraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2), and clarifying in new subparagraph (d)(1) that, prior to providing the consumer assistance specified in paragraph (d), an individual must be trained regarding QHP options, insurance affordability programs, eligibility, and benefits rules and regulations governing all insurance affordability programs operated in the state, as implemented in the state. New subparagraph (d)(2) specifies that the Exchange must provide referrals to any applicable office of health insurance consumer assistance or health insurance ombudsman established under section 2793 of the PHS Act, or any other appropriate State agency or agencies, for any enrollee with a grievance, complaint, or question regarding their health plan, coverage, or a 5 See the proposed rule on Essential Health Benefits in Alternative Benefit Plans, Eligibility Notices, Fair Hearing and Appeal Processes for Medicaid and Exchange Eligibility Appeals and Other Provisions Related to Eligibility and Enrollment for Exchanges, Medicaid and CHIP, and Medicaid Premiums and Cost Sharing, 78 FR 4594, 4710 (Jan. 22, 2013).
6 42828 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations determination under such plan or coverage. 2. Navigators and Non-Navigator Assistance Personnel ( & ) This final regulation amends (c)(1)(iii) to clarify that any Navigator licensing, certification, or other standards prescribed by the state or Exchange must not prevent the application of the provisions of title I of the Affordable Care Act. In addition, the final rule amends (d), which provides, among other things, that a Navigator cannot be an issuer nor receive compensation from an issuer related to enrollment in a QHP or non- QHP, to provide that a Navigator cannot be an issuer of or a subsidiary of an issuer of stop loss insurance and cannot receive any consideration, directly or indirectly, from an issuer of stop loss insurance in connection with the enrollment of any individuals or employees in a QHP or a non-qhp. These amendments to are applicable to Navigators in all Exchanges, including Federallyfacilitated Exchanges, State Partnership Exchanges, and State Exchanges. This final rule also adds a new provision at 45 CFR that establishes conflict of interest, training, and accessibility standards applicable to personnel in Federally-facilitated Exchanges, including State Partnership Exchanges. These standards also apply to non-navigator assistance personnel in State Exchanges that are funded through federal section 1311(a) Exchange Establishment grants. For the remainder of this preamble, we will refer to these types of entities collectively as Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies. Section (a) provides details on the conflict of interest standards applicable to the Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel to which applies. Section (a)(2)(i) establishes that the non- Navigator assistance personnel to which applies must comply with the same set of conflict of interest prohibitions that apply to all Navigators under (d), as well as the same fair and impartial standard that applies to all Navigators under (e)(2). Section (b) sets forth standards related to training, certification, and recertification for the Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies. These standards include details about the requirement to be certified, to register and receive HHS-approved training, the content required for training, and the requirement to receive a passing score on all approved certification examinations after training. For non- Navigator assistance programs in State Exchanges to which applies, the State Exchange may use the Federally-facilitated Exchange training or may use training developed by the State Exchange and approved by HHS. Section (c) and (d) establishes standards for the Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel to which applies, to ensure meaningful access to their services by individuals with limited English proficiency and people with disabilities. The standards we are finalizing at (c) and (d) should be read together with other applicable standards issued by the Secretary related to ensuring meaningful access by individuals with limited English proficiency and people with disabilities. State Exchanges will not be required to use the standards being finalized in for their Navigators, or for non-navigator assistance programs not funded through section 1311(a) Exchange Establishment grants. However, we believe that State Exchanges may find the federal standards to be useful models, and we encourage them to draw upon these standards as they develop and disseminate conflict of interest and training standards for Navigators pursuant to (b), or when establishing standards for any non- Navigator assistance program that is established by the State Exchange and is not funded by federal 1311(a) Exchange Establishment grants. This final rule establishes different conflict of interest and HHS-approved training standards for certified application counselors. As discussed elsewhere in this final rule, unlike Navigators, which will receive Exchange grants as set forth in section 1311(i) of the Affordable Care Act, and non-navigator assistance personnel, which we expect will be funded by all Consumer Partnership Exchanges and some State Exchanges, we do not expect Exchanges to pay designated organizations to certify application counselors or to pay individual certified application counselors for the enrollment assistance they will provide to consumers. 3. Certified Application Counselors ( ) In finalizing , we establish certified application counselors as another type of assistance personnel available to provide information to consumers and facilitate their enrollment in QHPs and insurance VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 affordability programs, such as premium tax credits and cost sharing reductions, Medicaid, and CHIP, for which they are eligible. Every Exchange will have a certified application counselor program, as provided in (a). An Exchange may designate organizations, including organizations designated by a state Medicaid or CHIP agency, that meet the requirements and standards in to certify the organization s staff members and volunteers to serve as certified application counselors. As proposed in the proposed rule, an Exchange may opt to certify these organizations staff members and volunteers directly if those staff members and volunteers meet the certification standards, rather than designating organizations that may certify their staff members and volunteers. An Exchange may also opt both to designate organizations and to certify directly an organization s individual certified application counselors. We intend that the Federally-facilitated Exchanges including State Partnership Exchanges will choose to designate organizations to certify the organization s staff members and volunteers as application counselors. We expect to publish guidance to establish a process for designating organizations in Federallyfacilitated Exchanges, including State Partnership Exchanges, to certify their staff members and volunteers as application counselors. Section (c) describes the duties of certified application counselors. These duties include providing information about the coverage options available to consumers through the Exchange, and assisting consumers with selecting and applying for coverage from QHPs and enrollment in insurance affordability programs. Section (d) outlines the standards that must be met by any individual seeking to be certified as an application counselor. These standards include: Completing Exchange approved training and examinations; disclosing potential conflicts of interest; complying with applicable privacy and security standards; agreeing to act in the best interest of applicants and enrollees assisted; providing information in a manner that is accessible to persons with disabilities; and entering into an application counselor agreement with their designated organization. In (d)(5), the final rule clarifies that certified application counselors may satisfy the requirement that they provide information in a manner that is accessible to individuals with disabilities either directly or through referral to Navigators, non-navigator
7 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations assistance personnel, and/or the Exchange call center. Section (e) directs the Exchange to establish procedures to withdraw its designation from noncompliant designated organizations, or, if an Exchange directly certifies individual application counselors, from noncompliant application counselors. It also directs designated organizations to establish procedures to withdraw certification from their noncompliant certified application counselors. Section (f) directs designated organizations to establish procedures to ensure that applicants are informed of the functions of certified application counselors, as well as procedures to ensure that applicants provide authorization for the disclosure of applicant information to the application counselor. Such authorizations may be revoked by the applicant at any time. Finally, (g) prohibits certified designated organizations and their certified application counselors from imposing any charge on applicants or for the certified application counseling services they provide. II. Provisions of the Proposed Rule and Analysis and Responses to Public Comments A. General Comments In response to both the January 22, 2013 and the April 5, 2013 proposed rules, we received the following comments that have general applicability to our rulemaking process. Comment: Several commenters asked us to release the final certified application counselor rule as soon as possible. One commenter suggested that we consolidate pending rules about consumer assistance programs and standards into one set of rules to provide greater clarity about which entities can perform which functions, and which standards apply to each type of assister. Response: We agree that addressing the standards governing Navigators, non-navigator assistance personnel, and certified application counselors in the same final rule provides greater clarity, and we have adopted this recommendation. We are therefore finalizing the amendments to (d) and , and newly proposed and , together in this final rule. B. Consumer Assistance Tools and Programs of an Exchange ( ) Proposed amendments to (d) were published as part of the January 22, 2013 proposed rule (78 FR 4594). 1. General Comments We received the following general comments on Navigator, non-navigator assistance, and certified application counselor programs under this provision: Comment: A few commenters requested clarification regarding the distinctions among Navigators, non- Navigator assistance personnel (which includes what have sometimes been referred to as in-person assistance personnel ), and certified application counselors with regard to topics such as funding, training requirements, and scope of responsibilities. Response: Navigators, non-navigator assistance personnel, and certified application counselors all will provide consumer-focused assistance with applications for and enrollment in QHPs and insurance affordability programs. In addition, certified application counselors cannot charge consumers for their services, as provided in this final rule. Similarly, HHS does not believe that it would be consistent with the purpose of the Navigator program or the consumer assistance, education, and outreach functions under (d) and (e) for Navigators or non-navigator assistance personnel to charge consumers for their services. The primary differences between the existing and proposed standards for programs, and the proposed standards for certifying certified application counselors in all Exchanges, which we finalize in this rulemaking, relate to the requirement that Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel perform public outreach and comply with detailed conflict of interest standards, eligibility requirements and prerequisites, as well as CLAS and disability access standards. Comment: A number of commenters requested that HHS clarify in the regulations that the nondiscrimination provisions applicable to the Exchanges apply to all consumer assistance programs, including Navigators, non- Navigator assistance personnel, and certified application counselors. Response: Exchanges are expected to comply with the nondiscrimination provisions in (c) when carrying out the requirements of 45 CFR part 155. We note that HHS recently proposed to correct the inadvertent omission of the nondiscrimination requirements of (c) from (f), which lists the regulatory provisions that apply in a Federallyfacilitated Exchange (see 78 FR (June 19, 2013)). Each of the assistance programs addressed in this rulemaking, VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 including Navigators, the consumer assistance functions authorized under (d) and (e), and the certified application counselor program, are required functions of the Exchange under 45 CFR part 155. Therefore, in order for an Exchange to comply with these nondiscrimination provisions, it must ensure that its Navigators, any activities authorized under (d) and (e), including the operations of non- Navigator assistance personnel, organizations designated to certify staff or volunteers, and certified application counselors comply with (c). Additionally, the preamble to the final rule publishing (c) clarified that the nondiscrimination provisions apply not only to the Exchange itself but also to Exchange contractors and all Exchange activities, including but not limited to marketing, outreach, and enrollment. (See 77 FR at ) The preamble to final also clarified that Navigators, as third parties under agreement with the Exchange, are subject to the Exchange s nondiscrimination requirements under (c). (See 77 FR at ) Navigators, non-navigator assistance personnel authorized under (d) and (e), organizations designated to certify their staff members and volunteers as application counselors, and certified application counselors certified directly by the Exchange perform functions of the Exchange and will be under agreement with the Exchange, and would therefore be subject to (c) in all Exchanges if the amendments to (f) are finalized as proposed. Comment: One commenter explained that it is critical that no barriers are imposed that would disrupt the enrollment assistance relationships that Indian health providers have with consumers, and urged us not to create standards so onerous that they cannot be met by volunteers. Response: Nothing in this final rulemaking requires Indian health providers to change their current relationships with the consumers they serve. This regulation does not require them to be trained or registered as non- Navigator assistance personnel, Navigators, or certified application counselors in order to continue their existing work. Comment: Some commenters observed that general rules regarding non-discrimination are often translated into a requirement to serve anyone who seeks the service. These commenters expressed the opinion that, because the Indian Health Service, tribes and tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations (I/T/U) often serve only
8 42830 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN), they cannot agree to such a requirement. The commenters suggested that the rules should clearly address this issue so that it does not become a barrier to participation by employees and volunteers of I/T/U. Response: Indian health programs and benefits are generally not available to the public because they were established to serve AI/AN. However, Exchange Navigator, non-navigator assistance, and certified application counselor services are not Indian health programs or benefits authorized by the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, so the same limitation does not apply to them. Accordingly, if I/T/U health care programs wish to become Navigators, non-navigator assistance personnel, or certified application counselors, they must provide those services consistent with the requirements we have established for those programs, including nondiscrimination requirements. Additionally, to the extent that an I/T/U receives any federal funds to support provision of Navigator, non-navigator assistance, or certified application counselor services, it is subject to certain federal nondiscrimination statutes, including but not limited to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of As we stated in the preamble to the proposed rule, while Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel should have the ability to help any individual who presents him or herself for assistance, there may be some instances where a Navigator or non- Navigator assistance personnel lacks the immediate capacity to help an individual. In such cases, the Navigator or non-navigator assistance personnel should be capable of providing assistance in a timely manner but must also refer consumers seeking assistance to other Exchange resources, such as the toll-free Exchange call center, or to another Navigator or non-navigator assistance personnel in the same Exchange who might have better capacity to serve that individual more effectively. The same principle would apply to certified application counselor services. Indian health providers also have specific independent authority under section 404 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to assist AI/ANs in enrolling in health benefits coverage, and may provide outreach and education in the provision of such assistance. Comment: A number of commenters requested that all individuals providing consumer assistance be required to provide equal access to individuals with limited English proficiency and individuals with disabilities. Response: Sections (c) and (e)(5) require Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to provide applicants and enrollees with information that is accessible to individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency. Section (c) and (d) provides standards for providing equal access to individuals with limited English proficiency and individuals with disabilities. These standards will apply to Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel in all Federallyfacilitated Exchanges, including State Partnership Exchanges, and to non- Navigator assistance personnel in State Exchanges that are funded with 1311(a) Exchange Establishment grants. Certified application counselors perform a separate Exchange function, authorized by , and are required to provide information in a manner that is accessible to individuals with disabilities, either directly or through appropriate referral to a Navigator, non-navigator assistance personnel authorized under (d) and (e), and/or the Exchange s call center. Comment: One commenter asked that consumer assistance be available to those who wish to apply via paper application rather than electronically. Response: While we strongly encourage all types of assistance personnel to help consumers apply for and enroll in coverage electronically, we also expect all types of assistance personnel to help consumers who wish to apply on paper. Comment: Several commenters asked HHS to encourage states to have a single training program for all Exchange consumer assistance programs, with one commenter recommending that HHS clarify that states may develop a single set of training materials for Navigators, non-navigator assistance personnel, and certified application counselors, as stated in the preamble to the proposed certified application counselor rule. Response: Section (b)(2) includes training standards that apply to personnel in Federally Facilitated Exchanges, including State Partnership Exchanges, and to non-navigator assistance programs and personnel in State Exchanges that are funded through federal section 1311(a) Exchange Establishment grants. These standards do not apply to certified application counselors. State Exchanges may, at their option, base their own training programs for Navigators, for other kinds of non-navigator assistance personnel VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 and for certified application counselors on these standards, or they may adopt the Federal standards and training materials. State Exchanges may use their Navigator training for non-navigator personnel funded through 1311(a) grants if the training meets the standards in the final rule. State Exchanges are encouraged to have the same training across all of their programs. 2. Comments Related to the Amendments to (d) Comment: Several commenters expressed general support for our proposed amendments to (d), including support for our recognition that consumer assistance functions must meet certain standards. One commenter asked that HHS issue regulations specifying the standards and duties of individuals carrying out the functions described at (d). Response: In , we establish standards and duties for certain personnel. Comment: Many commenters asked that the training requirements under (d) be strengthened and that specific topics be required, including advance payments of premium tax credits (APTCs), cost-sharing subsidies (CSRs), comparing qualified health plan and pediatric dental benefits and costs, how to provide accessible services to individuals with disabilities and culturally and linguistically appropriate services, documentation requirements for immigrants, reporting changes in consumer or enrollee circumstances, qualifying for a special enrollment period, complaint and referral processes, the tax reconciliation process, how to refer individuals to services and programs not offered through the Exchange that help consumers afford the cost of their medical expenses, and information about programs authorized under the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act and subsequent reauthorizations of that Act (Ryan White programs). A few commenters suggested that non- Navigator assistance personnel be trained on how to address the concerns of mixed-status immigrant families to encourage enrollment by eligible members of those families. One commenter suggested that we require preference to be given to any individual who is culturally and linguistically competent, including individuals with bilingual language skills and/or bicultural background or experience. One recommended that assistance
9 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations personnel under (d) receive both initial and ongoing training. Response: Section establishes training standards for Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel in certain Exchanges. The training module content requirements established in (b) cover a broad range of subjects, and we expect that training developed consistent with those requirements will encompass many of the specific training content suggestions made by commenters, including eligibility and referral services. We clarify here that by insurance affordability programs, we refer to the definition of insurance affordability programs at 42 CFR (as amended at 77 FR (Mar. 23, 2012)), which includes Medicaid, CHIP, and QHPs offered through the Exchange together with advance payments of the premium tax credit and/or cost-sharing reductions. However, we encourage knowledgeable assistance personnel to help consumers access other programs, such as drug assistance programs and Ryan White programs. Comment: Most commenters who addressed (d)(2), which requires referrals to consumer assistance programs when available and appropriate, expressed support for the proposed provision. Some additionally noted that the Exchange must not consider organizations to be available and appropriate unless the organization has indicated willingness and capacity to provide such assistance to consumers. Response: To clarify the kinds of available and appropriate entities to which we expect Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel to refer consumers, we amend the final (d)(2) to reflect the similar referral language in the Navigator final rule at (e)(4). This amendment clarifies that Consumer Assistance Programs established under section 2793 of the Public Health Service Act are an available and appropriate resource in many states to which Navigators, non-navigator assistance programs, and certified application counselors can refer consumers for additional assistance. Because Navigator programs are one example of a program authorized under (d), we also believe this change will help streamline the requirements. Moreover, we expect that the entities specified in this provision are able and willing to provide assistance and accept referrals. 3. Summary of Changes We are finalizing the proposed amendments to of the proposed rule, with one modification. We replaced the referral language in paragraph (d)(2) with similar language from (e)(4). C. Navigators and Non-Navigator Assistance Personnel ( & ) The provisions and amendments discussed in this section were proposed in the April 5, 2013 proposed rule (78 FR 20581). 1. Navigator Program Standards ( ) a. Entities and Individuals Eligible To Be a Navigator ( (c)(1)(iii)) Section (c)(1)(iii), implementing section 1311(i)(4) of the Affordable Care Act, directs that, in order to receive a Navigator grant, an entity or individual must meet any licensing, certification or other standards prescribed by the state or Exchange, if applicable. Section 1321(d) of the Affordable Care Act provides that nothing in title I of the Affordable Care Act shall be construed to preempt any state laws that do not prevent the application of the provisions of title I of the Affordable Care Act. We proposed to amend (c)(1)(iii) to clarify that, consistent with Affordable Care Act section 1321(d), any Navigator licensing, certification, or other standards prescribed by the state or Exchange should not prevent the application of the provisions of title I of the Affordable Care Act. For example, as HHS has previously advised (see 77 FR 18310, through 18332), a requirement by a state or an Exchange that Navigators be agents and brokers or obtain errors and omissions coverage would prevent the application of the requirement at (c)(2) that at least two types of entities must serve as Navigators, because it would mean that only agents or brokers could be Navigators. In addition, holding an agent or broker license is neither necessary, nor by itself sufficient, to perform the duties of a Navigator, as these licenses generally do not address areas in which Navigators need expertise, including the public coverage options that will be available to some consumers. Comment: Generally, commenters supported the proposed amendment to 45 CFR (c)(1)(iii). Some commenters requested additional guidance on what types of state requirements would and would not be preempted under this provision; for example, whether a state requirement that Navigators obtain a surety bond VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 would be preempted by this provision. Other commenters requested we extend this provision to apply to non-navigator assistance personnel as well. Response: Determining under (c)(1)(iii) whether a particular state requirement would prevent the application of the provisions of title I of the Affordable Care Act would require an analysis of the specific facts and circumstances. We are monitoring relevant state legislation and will work with states to help ensure that state legislation does not prevent the application of a provision of title I of the Affordable Care Act and the federal regulations implementing it. We are adopting the proposed amendment without modification. While we are not including parallel provisions applicable to non-navigator assistance personnel and certified application counselors in this final rule, we note that Affordable Care Act section 1321(d) also applies to those programs. Comment: Some commenters raised concerns about the impact of Navigator and non-navigator assistance programs on the business of licensed agents and brokers. Some commenters believed the requirements for these programs would prevent agents and brokers from participating. Response: Licensed agents or brokers are eligible to serve as Navigators or non-navigator assistance personnel as long as they meet the applicable requirements; however, during their term as Navigators or non-navigator assistance personnel, they would not be permitted to receive any direct or indirect consideration from a health insurance or stop loss insurance issuer in connection with the enrollment of any individuals or employees in QHPs or non-qhps. In addition, subject to applicable state law, agents and brokers are not otherwise prohibited from assisting consumers with enrollment both inside and outside of the Exchanges. We expect that agents and brokers will continue to play an important role in educating consumers about their health coverage options and, unlike Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel, will also be able to sell consumers health insurance coverage. In addition, many states are expecting that small businesses seeking enrollment assistance in the Small Business Health Options (SHOP) Exchange will continue to use agents and brokers as their primary resource, subject to applicable state law. b. Prohibition on Navigator Conduct ( (d)) Section (d) states that a Navigator may not be a health insurance
10 42832 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations issuer, a subsidiary of a health insurance issuer, an association that includes members of or lobbies on behalf of the insurance industry, or receive any consideration, directly or indirectly, from any health insurance issuer in connection with the enrollment of any individuals or employees in a QHP or non-qhp. We proposed to amend section (d) to provide that a Navigator must also not be an issuer of stop loss insurance, or a subsidiary of an issuer of stop loss insurance, and must not receive any consideration, directly or indirectly, from any issuer of stop loss insurance in connection with the enrollment of individuals or employees in a QHP or non-qhp. Section 1311(i) of the Affordable Care Act requires a Navigator to distribute fair and impartial information concerning enrollment in QHPs, to be free from conflicts of interest, and directs that standards be established to ensure that those requirements are met. Existing regulations at 45 CFR (c)(1)(iv) and (e)(2) also implement those requirements. Taken together, these provisions indicate that, with respect to the assistance offered by a Navigator to a small employer, a Navigator should not have a personal interest in whether a small employer chooses to self-insure its employee health plan, or chooses to enroll in fully-insured coverage inside or outside the Exchange. In the proposed rule, we explained that these amendments would help ensure that Navigators provide any small employer that requests help from a Navigator with information and services in a fair, accurate, and impartial manner, as such information would facilitate small employers selection of QHPs in Small Business Health Options (SHOP) Exchanges, if they choose to enroll in such coverage. We solicited public comments on this proposal. Comment: CMS received comments supporting the addition of stop loss insurance issuers and their subsidiaries to the provisions at 45 CFR (d)(1), (2), and (4). One commenter requested clarification regarding the definition of stop loss insurance. Response: The proposed rule did not define stop loss insurance or stop loss insurance issuer and we are not adding a definition of stop loss insurance or stop loss insurance issuer to the final rule. The proposed rule cross-references the description of stop loss insurance in a Request for Information (RFI) published by the Departments of HHS, Labor, and the Treasury on May 1, See 77 FR That RFI describes stop loss insurance as designed to protect against health insurance claims that are catastrophic or unpredictable in nature, and as providing coverage to self-insured group health plans once a certain level of risk has been absorbed by the plan. For purposes of this final rule, we continue to interpret the terms stop loss insurance and stop loss insurance issuer as having meanings consistent with the discussion in the RFI. Comment: A few commenters requested guidance on whether selling other insurance products, such as Medicare health plans, accident plans, cancer-only or other dread disease plans, hospital expense, or critical illness plans, would be a prohibited conflict of interest making someone ineligible to be a Navigator or non- Navigator assistance personnel. Response: We are adopting the proposed (a)(2)(i), which extends to certain non-navigator assistance personnel the provisions of 45 CFR (d). As a result, non- Navigator assistance personnel subject to , like Navigators, are prohibited from having the relationships with health insurance issuers or stop loss issuers described at (d). 45 CFR and , implementing section 2791(b)(2) of the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act), defines a health insurance issuer as... an insurance company, insurance service, or insurance organization (including an HMO) that is required to be licensed to engage in the business of insurance in a State and that is subject to State law that regulates insurance (within the meaning of section 514(b)(2) of ERISA). Such term does not include a group health plan. 6 Consistent with this definition, in this context, whether an entity is a health insurance issuer is generally determined according to state law. If an entity or one of its corporate affiliates is required to be licensed to engage in the business of insurance in a state and is subject to state law that regulates insurance, it might be a health insurance issuer or stop loss issuer or have a relationship with a health insurance issuer or stop loss issuer that would prohibit it from becoming non- Navigator assistance personnel. Within the Federally-facilitated Exchanges, 6 See 26 CFR , 29 CFR , and 45 CFR , which states that the term health insurance issuer or issuer means an insurance company, insurance service, or insurance organization (including an HMO) that is required to be licensed to engage in the business of insurance in a State and that is subject to State law that regulates insurance (within the meaning of section 514(b)(2) of ERISA). The term does not include a group health plan. VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 CMS will evaluate specific corporate structures on a case by case basis. Comment: Commenters requested clarification that a health care provider s contract with a health plan (including a QHP) to provide health services as part of the plan network would not preclude the provider from being eligible to be a Navigator or non-navigator assistance personnel. Some commenters noted that this relationship should still be disclosed as a non-prohibited conflict of interest. Commenters also requested clarification that a grant offered by a plan for a restricted purpose, such as in support of providing services to the uninsured or to help finance a program or capital project, does not constitute consideration directly or indirectly for enrollment of individuals into a QHP or non-qhp. Commenters also noted that some health centers may receive federal grants under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act that can be used to plan and develop a managed care network plan. Response: We are finalizing without change the proposed amendment to 45 CFR (d)(4) and the proposed provision at (a)(2)(i). We interpret the prohibition on receiving direct or indirect consideration from a health insurance or stop loss insurance issuer to apply to consideration received for enrolling individuals or employees in health insurance plans or stop loss insurance inside or outside the Exchanges; it does not apply to consideration received by a provider to support specific activities, such as the provision of medical services, that are not connected to the enrollment of individuals or employees in QHPs. The preamble to the Exchange Final Rule explains that we interpret consideration to include financial compensation, including monetary or in-kind compensation of any type, including grants, as well as any other types of influence a health insurance or stop loss insurance issuer could use, including but not limited to things such as gifts and free travel, which may result in steering individuals to particular QHPs offered in the Exchange or plans outside of the Exchange (77 FR 18333). It is possible that a provider would be required to disclose to the Exchange and consumers receiving application assistance from staff serving as Navigators or non-navigator assistance personnel, the fact that it receives issuer funds that are unrelated to the enrollment of individuals or employees into health insurance plans, but this would not be a bar to serving as a Navigator or non-navigator assistance personnel. Such disclosure would not
11 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations include proprietary information about reimbursements received from issuers. Similarly, an entity that receives a grant or other funding from a health insurance or stop loss insurance issuer would not be prohibited from serving as a Navigator or non-navigator assistance personnel unless such grant or funding is related to the enrollment of individuals or employees in a QHP or non-qhp. However, the entity would need to disclose the receipt of the grant or funding from the issuer to the Exchange and consumers receiving application assistance. With respect to health centers that may receive federal grants under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act that can be used to plan and develop a managed care network plan, as stated earlier, whether or not an entity is or is not a health insurance issuer is determined by state law. If these health centers would not be required to be licensed to engage in the business of insurance in a state or subject to state law that regulates insurance, then the health center would not be ineligible to serve as a Navigator or non-navigator assistance personnel, assuming all other eligibility criteria are also satisfied. Comment: Some commenters requested guidance regarding the situation where a large organization, such as a hospital, has some but not all employees serving as Navigators or non- Navigator assistance personnel. In this situation, commenters requested clarification about whether all employees of the organization need to be free of prohibited conflicts of interest, or whether only the employees providing Navigator or non-navigator assistance personnel services need to be free of prohibited conflicts of interest. Response: Only the Navigator grantee and the staff members and volunteers who work on the Navigator program or perform Navigator services under the grant are required to be free of prohibited conflicts of interest. Therefore, staff or employees of a Navigator grantee who are in no way involved in the Navigator program are not required to comply with the conflict of interest standards that are applicable to the Navigator program staff. 2. Summary of Changes The amendments to (d) are being finalized as proposed, with no changes. 2. Standards applicable to Navigators and non-navigator Assistance Personnel carrying out consumer assistance functions under (d) and (e) and in a Federally-facilitated Exchange and to non-navigator Assistance Personnel funded through an Exchange Establishment Grant ( ). a. Conflict-of-Interest Standards for Navigators ( (a)(1)) and for Non- Navigator Assistance Personnel Carrying Out Consumer Assistance Functions Under (d) and (e) ( (a)(2)) Section 1311(i)(4) of the Affordable Care Act directs the Secretary to establish standards for Navigators, including provisions to avoid conflicts of interest. Section (b)(1) directs all Exchanges to develop and publicly disseminate conflict-of-interest standards for Navigators. The conflictof-interest standards proposed in (a)(1) were intended to apply to all Navigators in Federally-facilitated Exchanges, including State Partnership Exchanges. Section (c)(1)(iv) prohibits Navigators from having conflicts of interest during their terms as Navigators. We have explained that having a conflict of interest means having a private or personal interest sufficient to influence, or appear to influence, the objective exercise of a Navigator s official duties (77 FR through 18331). In addition, (d) directs that a Navigator must not have certain relationships with insurance issuers or the insurance industry. Because any individual or entity with the conflicts of interest listed at (d) would be barred from participating as a Navigator, we first proposed in (a)(1)(i) that a Navigator entity, including a Navigator grant applicant, must submit to the Exchange a written attestation that the Navigator entity and its staff do not have any of these prohibited conflicts of interest. This disclosure to the Exchange will help ensure that Navigators comply with the prohibitions on Navigator conduct set forth in (d), and that individuals and entities who are ineligible under (d) do not apply to the Exchange for grants to serve as Navigators. We solicited public comments on the proposal to require Navigators to submit an attestation regarding eligibility. At (a)(1)(ii), we proposed to direct that all Navigator grantees submit to the Exchange a written plan to remain free of conflicts of interest during their term as a Navigator. This plan should ensure that the Navigator grantee, and all those individuals who serve as Navigators under the direction of the Navigator grantee, would fully comply with the prohibitions in (d), and all other conflict-of-interest requirements, as described below, throughout the term of a Navigator VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 grant. We stated that this would be particularly important for those Navigator grantees that may have a changing workforce, and might thus utilize new or different staff or employees during the term of a Navigator grant. We solicited public comments on the proposed requirement to submit a written plan to remain free of conflicts of interest, including comments on the form of and content for the plan. At (a)(1)(iii), we proposed to direct that all Navigators, including the Navigator s staff, provide information to consumers about the full range of QHP options and insurance affordability programs, such as premium tax credits and cost sharing reductions and Medicaid and CHIP, for which they are eligible. We stated that this proposed requirement would help ensure that consumers receive all of the information they need to make an informed enrollment decision, and that the information they receive is fair and impartial, as required by (e)(2). Lastly, under the proposed conflict-ofinterest standards for Navigators, we proposed a requirement at (a)(1)(iv) that certain conflicts of interest, while not a bar to serving as a Navigator, should be disclosed to the Exchange and to each consumer receiving application assistance (which includes pre-enrollment and postenrollment services, but does not include outreach and education assistance), both by the Navigator individual and the entity. In developing the conflict-of-interest standards in the proposed rule, we were mindful that every Navigator must [p]rovide information and services in a fair, accurate and impartial manner under (e)(2). We were also mindful that each Exchange must develop standards designed to prevent, minimize and mitigate any conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, that may exist for an entity or individuals to be awarded a Navigator grant and to ensure that all entities and individuals carrying out Navigator functions have appropriate integrity, as we provided in (b)(1). The requirement that an Exchange develop standards to minimize and mitigate conflicts of interests suggests that some conflicts of interest would not be absolute bars to service as a Navigator, provided that the conflict of interest would not ultimately prevent the entity or individual from providing information and services in a fair, accurate, and impartial manner. Striking this balance will allow for a robust pool of Navigators while ensuring all Navigators have the
12 42834 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations integrity, fairness, and impartiality to carry out their duties appropriately. In order to mitigate conflicts of interest, we proposed three types of information that Navigators, including Navigator staff, must disclose to the Exchange and to their consumers. First, Navigators would be required to disclose to the Exchange and to each consumer who receives application assistance from the Navigator entity or individual, any lines of insurance business, other than health insurance or stop loss insurance, which the Navigator intends to sell while serving as a Navigator. Since Navigators must not sell health insurance or, as we also proposed, stop loss insurance, the proposed requirement that Navigators disclose any lines of insurance business is not intended to apply to the sale of health insurance or stop loss insurance, since these are not conflicts of interest that could be mitigated through disclosure (see (d)). In addition, we proposed to require disclosure of two other types of indirect financial conflicts of interest. We stated that Navigators and their staff members would be required to disclose to the Exchange and each consumer receiving application assistance, any existing and former employment relationships they have had within the last five years with any issuer of health insurance or stop loss insurance, or subsidiaries of such issuers. It is intended that any existing employment relationships disclosed would be non-prohibited relationships, because receipt of any consideration directly or indirectly from any health insurance issuer or issuer of stop loss insurance in connection with the enrollment of any individuals or employees in a QHP or a non-qhp would already be prohibited by (d)(4). We specified that Navigators and their staff must also disclose any existing employment relationships between any health insurance issuer or stop-loss insurance issuer, or subsidiary of such issuers, and the Navigator or staff member s spouse or domestic partner. Navigators and their staff members would also be required to disclose to the Exchange, and to each consumer receiving application assistance, any existing or anticipated financial, business, or contractual relationships with one or more issuers of health insurance or stop loss insurance or subsidiaries of such issuers. These types of conflict-ofinterest relationships with issuers of health insurance or stop loss insurance should be disclosed because these relationships may confer benefits or indirect financial gain that would compromise a Navigator s objectivity. We solicited public comments on the proposed requirement to disclose certain types of potential financial conflicts of interest. At (a)(2), we proposed to establish a set of parallel conflict-ofinterest standards that would apply in Federally-facilitated Exchanges (including State Partnership Exchanges) to non-navigator assistance personnel carrying out consumer assistance functions under (d) and (e), and to non-navigator assistance personnel in a State Exchange funded through federal Exchange Establishment grants. We explained that we believe the same conflict-of-interest considerations that apply to Navigators should also apply to these non-navigator assistance personnel. We solicited public comments on the application of these proposed standards to non-navigator assistance personnel. The comments received did not distinguish between the application of these standards to Navigators or non-navigator assistance personnel, and therefore we address comments for (a)(2) and the comments for (a)(1) together. Comment: Commenters generally supported the conflict of interest standards. Most said that the standards appropriately balance protection for consumers with burdens on potential personnel. Some commenters requested that CMS provide a model form for the attestation and the mitigation plan requirements. One commenter recommended that CMS develop a script for making disclosures of nonprohibited conflicts to consumers and that these disclosures be made orally to ensure they are not just written and posted without being discussed. Another commenter requested that CMS require the disclosures about conflicts to consumers be in plain language so that consumers will fully understand them. A few commenters questioned the usefulness of disclosing non-prohibited conflicts of interest to consumers, however these commenters noted that the disclosure to the Exchange is necessary. Response: We appreciate the comments supporting the conflict of interest standards in the proposed rule. At this time we do not anticipate developing a model form for the attestation and mitigation plan or a script for making disclosures of nonprohibited conflicts to consumers. The disclosure would likely vary depending on the circumstances of the Navigator or non-navigator assistance personnel providing it, and therefore a uniform script would be difficult to develop. Additionally, the final rule does not VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 specify whether this disclosure to consumers should be written or oral. Navigators and non-navigators should use their discretion to determine which form of disclosure is most appropriate for a particular consumer receiving application assistance. For example, if a Navigator or non-navigator is serving a community known to have low rates of literacy, an oral disclosure would likely be more appropriate than a written disclosure. We agree with the comment recommending the disclosure to consumers be made in plain language, which is consistent with the requirements under (c), and have modified the language of (a)(1)(iv) and (a)(2)(v) accordingly. Comment: Commenters generally supported what they referred to as strong conflict of interest standards. Many commenters stated appreciation for applying the same standards to both personnel to which applies. However one commenter requested that we ensure that non-navigator assistance personnel (as well as certified application counselors and Navigators), be prohibited from limiting the information they give to consumers based on that individual assister s personal beliefs or an institutional assister s beliefs. Another commenter requested that the provisions governing non-navigator assistance personnel should mirror the Navigator requirements that Navigators not have a conflict of interest and that they provide information and services in a fair, accurate, and impartial manner. Response: We agree that the conflict of interest standards for non-navigators should mirror the conflict of interest standards for Navigators, which are a type of consumer assistance personnel. We therefore proposed, and now finalize in (a)(2)(i), that the same prohibitions on Navigator conduct set forth at (d) also apply to non-navigators in the Exchanges and circumstances to which applies. We also proposed, and now finalize in (a)(1)(iii) and (a)(2)(iv), the requirement that the Navigators and non-navigator Navigator assistance personnel to which applies provide information to consumers about the full range of QHP options and insurance affordability programs for which they are eligible. We note that one commenter correctly observed that the requirement to provide information in a fair, accurate, and impartial manner, a requirement for Navigators under section 1311(i)(5) of the Affordable Care Act and 45 CFR (e)(2), was not specifically
13 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations extended to the non-navigator assistance personnel to whom applies in our proposed rule. We did explain in the preamble to the proposed rule (at 78 FR 20586), however, that non-navigator assistance personnel who carry out consumer assistance and outreach and education authorized under (d) and (e) in Federallyfacilitated Exchanges, including State Partnership Exchanges, and non- Navigator assistance personnel in State Exchanges that are funded through Exchange Establishment grants, should be subject to conflict of interest standards; and that we believe that in order to be helpful to the public, the services provided under (d) and (e) should be carried out in a fair, accurate, and impartial manner. It was therefore our intent that this duty apply to both Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies. We are therefore amending (a)(2)(i) to add the requirement that non-navigator assistance personnel in the Exchanges and circumstances to which applies, like all Navigators, have a duty to provide information in a fair, accurate, and impartial manner. This amendment ensures that there will be parallel conflict of interest standards between personnel to which applies. With respect to certified application counselors, (d)(4) imposes a standard different from the fair and impartial standard discussed above. Instead, certified application counselors must act in the best interest of the applicants they assist. Section (c)(1) does specify that all certified application counselors must provide information to consumers about the full range of QHP options and insurance affordability programs for which they are eligible. However, as discussed elsewhere in this preamble, we are not extending any prohibition on being a certified application counselor based on conflicts of interest that apply to Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies, although we are requiring certified application counselors to disclose conflicts of interest to consumers. Comment: A number of commenters thought health insurance issuers, plans, and their agents should be barred explicitly from serving as non-navigator assistance personnel. Response: We are finalizing (a)(2)(i), with the amendment mentioned above, which prohibits certain persons and entities from being non-navigator assistance personnel in the contexts and Exchanges to which applies, including a health insurance issuer or its subsidiary; an issuer of stop-loss insurance or its subsidiary; an association that includes members of or lobbies on behalf of the insurance industry; or a recipient of any direct or indirect consideration from any health insurance issuer or issuer of stop-loss insurance in connection with the enrollment of any individuals or employees in a QHP or non-qhp. The inclusion of an association that includes members of or lobbies on behalf of the insurance industry as a prohibited non- Navigator assistance program is not meant to prohibit associations, such as a bona fide Chamber of Commerce, which a wide variety of businesses join in connection with civic and community matters unrelated to the nature of their business, from having a non-navigator assistance program. b. Training Standards for Navigators and Non-Navigator Assistance Personnel Carrying Out Consumer Assistance Functions Under (d) and (e) and ( (b)) i. Certification and Recertification Standards ( (b)(1)) Section 1311(i)(4) of the Affordable Care Act directs the Secretary to establish standards for Navigators, including provisions to ensure that any private or public entity that is selected as a Navigator is qualified, and licensed if appropriate, to engage in Navigator activities and to avoid conflicts of interest. Additionally, 45 CFR (b)(2) directs the Exchange to develop and publicly disseminate a set of training standards, to be met by all entities and individuals carrying out Navigator functions, to ensure Navigator expertise in the needs of underserved and vulnerable populations, eligibility and enrollment rules and procedures, the range of QHP options and insurance affordability programs, and privacy and security requirements applicable to personally identifiable information. Under existing regulations at 45 CFR (c)(1)(iii), Navigators must meet any licensing, certification or other standards prescribed by the state or Exchange, if applicable ; this final rule amends these regulations to add, so long as such standards do not prevent the application of the provisions of title I of the Affordable Care Act. In addition, we finalize in this rulemaking the proposed amendment to (d) that would require any individual providing consumer assistance under that section, including Navigators, to be trained regarding QHP options, insurance affordability programs, eligibility, and benefits rules VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 and regulations governing all insurance affordability programs operated in the state, as implemented in the state, prior to providing such assistance. At (b)(1), we proposed that all Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel in a Federallyfacilitated Exchange or State Partnership Exchange, and all non-navigator assistance personnel in a State Exchange that are funded through a grant under section 1311(a) of the Affordable Care Act, must register with the Exchange and be certified by the Exchange, and prior to certification, complete an HHSapproved training before carrying out any consumer assistance functions in the Exchange. We proposed in (b)(2) the broad topic areas about which Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel to which applies would receive training prior to certification. The proposed rule would also require that individuals and staff of Navigator entities and non- Navigator assistance entities receive a passing score on all HHS-approved examinations in order to serve as Navigators or non-navigator assistance personnel in a Federally-facilitated Exchange, a State Partnership Exchange, or as non-navigator assistance personnel in a State Exchange funded through federal Exchange Establishment grants. The rule also proposed that personnel to which applies should obtain continuing education and be certified and/or recertified on at least an annual basis. The proposed recertification requirement for personnel to which applies would ensure that they remain appropriately trained to adequately serve consumers. We also proposed at 45 CFR (b)(1)(v) that these certification requirements would specifically direct that all Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies be prepared to serve both the individual Exchange and SHOP. Section 1311(i)(2)(A) of the Affordable Care Act directs that, to be eligible to receive a Navigator grant, an entity must demonstrate that it has existing relationships, or could readily establish relationships, with employers and employees (among other groups). In addition, section 1311(i)(2)(B) of the Affordable Care Act directs that the types of entities that may be eligible for a Navigator grant include resource partners of the Small Business Administration. We infer from these standards that Navigators must be prepared to serve the needs of small
14 42836 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations businesses, and therefore will need to be prepared to serve the needs of both the individual Exchange and SHOP. We also believe that non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies should be prepared to serve the needs of both the individual Exchange and SHOP. We solicited public comments on these proposed training and certification standards, including the proposed recertification standards. Comment: CMS received numerous comments from a broad range of commenters regarding the requirement that all Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies be prepared to serve both the individual market and SHOP Exchanges. These commenters generally recommended that Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel to which applies should not be required to serve the SHOP Exchange. Some commenters suggested that some personnel to which applies could specifically serve the individual Exchange while others could specifically serve the SHOP. Other commenters suggested that Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies should be trained to have general knowledge of the SHOP to be able to provide appropriate assistance to individuals seeking coverage, particularly where SHOP eligibility may vary among family members. Commenters pointed to states that intend to establish and operate only a State SHOP Exchange, while the federal government operates the individual market Exchange for that state, and that intend to use certified agents, or brokers, or producers to assist small businesses with enrolling in coverage through the State SHOP. Others indicated that some community based organizations serving underserved populations may be dissuaded from applying to be Navigator entities because they have no or limited connections with small businesses. Response: We are finalizing proposed (b)(1)(v) without change. However, we do not interpret the provision as meaning that the personnel to which applies must actively seek out small businesses and employers to assist, unless that is the community the Navigator or non- Navigator assistance personnel is intending to target in its service delivery. Training regarding the SHOP will be required to ensure that persons seeking assistance with SHOP coverage from a Navigator or non-navigator assistance personnel can receive assistance. In some circumstances, the assistance may be provided through referral to other Exchange resources, such as the toll-free Exchange call center, or to another Navigator or non-navigator assistance personnel in the same Exchange who, through reasonable efforts by the Navigator or non-navigator, has been identified as having the capacity to serve that individual or employer more effectively. Additionally, we have proposed amendments to the existing Exchange regulations that would permit states to establish and operate only a State SHOP Exchange, while the federal government operates an individual market Exchange for that state. One of those proposed amendments is a provision that would permit SHOPs in states that opt to establish and operate a SHOP independently of a Federally-facilitated individual market Exchange to focus the SHOP Navigator program on outreach and education to small employers. 7 If this proposal is finalized, in states that take this option, SHOP Navigators would be able to fulfill their statutory and regulatory obligations under section 1311(i) of the Affordable Care Act and 45 CFR to facilitate enrollment in QHPs, and to refer consumers with complaints, questions, and grievances to applicable offices of health insurance consumer assistance or ombudsmen, by referring small businesses to agents and brokers for these types of assistance, so long as State law permits agents and brokers to carry out these functions. Comment: Some commenters raised concerns regarding the security of consumer s personally identifiable information and requested that CMS specify how this information will be protected. In addition a few commenters asked questions regarding minimum eligibility criteria and background checks for Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies. Response: We are committed to ensuring consumer privacy. Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies, as part of their certification requirements, receive training on the privacy and security standards applicable under 45 CFR , which requires compliance with those standards. In addition, we do not expect that Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel will retain any personally identifiable information (PII). They will assist consumers in completing the enrollment 7 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Program Integrity: Exchange, SHOP, Premium Stabilization Programs, and Market Standards, 78 FR 37032, and (June 19, 2013). VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 application, which requires entry of some PII into either a computer-based or paper application; however, once the application is completed, Navigator or non-navigator assistance personnel should not retain any of the information entered onto the application. With respect to electronic applications, the consumer will be logged on to a personal account, to which the Navigator or non-navigator assistance personnel generally will not have access without the consumer present. Federal Navigator grantees will have been screened by a thorough grant application process prior to being determined eligible for an award, and will be subject to a rigorous oversight process. States may choose to require minimum eligibility criteria and background checks for Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel, so long as such requirements do not prevent the application of title I of the Affordable Care Act. CMS, as the operator of the Federally-facilitated Exchange, will be monitoring Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies under (e) and will take appropriate action if complaints of fraud and abuse arise. In addition, provides for civil monetary penalties for violations of legal requirements to protect the privacy and security of personally identifiable information. Other federal laws regarding privacy and security may be applicable as well and provide sanctions for violations. Finally, as a measure to ensure that Navigators are able to carry out consumer assistance functions in Federally-facilitated Exchanges, the final rule establishes training and certification standards which include the requirement that Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies complete and achieve a passing score on all approved certification examinations prior to carrying out any consumer assistance functions under (d) and (e) or Comment: CMS received several comments requesting the creation of a dedicated portal for Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel within the online enrollment portal for submission of applications on behalf of consumers, with the consumer s permission. In addition to the portal, commenters also requested the establishment of a dedicated technical assistance unit and helpline in the Federally-facilitated Exchange to support Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies.
15 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations Response: At this time, we do not anticipate that a dedicated portal will be available for the use of Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel (or for certified application counselors) in the Federally-facilitated Exchanges. However, we will continue to consider and explore this option for future years. programs in the Federally-facilitated Exchanges will receive technical assistance from various sources, including CCIIO project officers for Navigator grantees, state resources for non-navigator assistance programs, and the toll-free Federally-facilitated Exchange Call Center. Comment: Commenters urged HHS to adequately fund and support consumer assistance functions of an Exchange. Several requested clarification from CMS about whether private support can be used to leverage federal Medicaid matching funds to provide enrollment assistance. Commenters also requested CMS to allow section 1311(a) Exchange Establishment grant funds to be used to provide consumer assistance in full Federally-facilitated Exchange states that are not a State Partnership Exchange. Response: A discussion of the appropriate sources of the non-federal share of Medicaid expenditures is outside the scope of this rulemaking. With regard to the use of section 1311(a) Exchange Establishment funding for consumer assistance and outreach, we direct commenters to the FAQ issued on April 23, 2013, CCIIO/Resources/Fact-Sheets-and- FAQs/marketplace-funding-marketingfaq.html, and to the FAQs issued on May 13, 2013, CCIIO/Resources/Fact-Sheets-and- FAQs/ca-spm-funding.html, and Sheets-and-FAQs/spm-ffmfunding.html. Finally, with regard to the comment about adequate assistance for Exchange consumer assistance functions, we note that HHS has issued a funding opportunity announcement for the Navigator program in the Federally-facilitated Exchanges and State Partnership Exchanges, and is providing section 1311(a) Exchange Establishment Grants to states that may be used to fund non-navigator assistance programs to carry out functions authorized by (d) and (e) consistent with the discussion in the preamble to the April 5, 2013 proposed rule (78 FR at through 20584). ii. Training Module Content Standards ( (b)(2)) In (b)(2), we proposed a set of standards for the content of the training modules for Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel in a Federally-facilitated Exchange or State Partnership Exchange, and for federally funded non-navigator assistance personnel in a State Exchange, to ensure that they would be knowledgeable in the areas described in the statute and existing regulations and that they would be fully prepared to assist consumers. Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies will receive training in many areas including QHPs, the range of insurance affordability programs, eligibility requirements for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, eligibility and enrollment rules and procedures, providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services, ensuring physical and other accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and privacy and security standards for handling and safeguarding consumers personally identifiable information. It is expected that this assistance would accommodate the full range of disabilities. The complete list of required training module content standards is set forth in (b)(2). Comment: CMS received numerous comments recommending that specific topics be included in the training for personnel to which applies. Recommended topics include pediatric dental benefits; privacy standards for mixed immigration status households; the appropriate handling and safeguarding of consumer information; working with specific populations, including transgender individuals, the LGBT community, people of color, households that are experiencing mental illness, people with substance use disorders, people experiencing homelessness, and people with low health literacy; insurance affordability programs, particularly in states that have chosen not to expand their Medicaid program; and the individual responsibility requirement and other tax consequences. Response: We are finalizing the language of the training module content standards in (b)(2) without modification. The language of this provision is broadly written so that it can include many discrete topics, including many of those recommended by commenters. We specifically note that the proposed rule already includes training on privacy and security, on linguistic and cultural competence, and VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 on ensuring access for people with disabilities. By defining the training modules broadly, we will be able to modify the specific training content each year so that it is tailored to the specific circumstances of the federal Exchanges and provides effective assistance to consumers. Comment: Multiple comments were received regarding the number of hours of training for Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel to which applies. Some commenters suggested expanding the number of hours. Several commenters asked for clarification of the circumstances under which a state may require additional training beyond the number of hours discussed in the preamble to the proposed regulation. Some commenters stated that non-navigator assistance personnel should not be required to take all 30 hours of Navigator training. Other commenters expressed concern that personnel to which applies will not receive enough training to be able to adequately assist consumers. Response: Under the final rule, personnel to which applies will receive extensive training covering many broad content categories to prepare them to assist consumers competently. This training is designed to ensure that Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel to which applies are knowledgeable about QHPs, insurance affordability programs, tax implications of enrollment decisions, eligibility for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, and other topics. In addition, prior to being certified, personnel to which applies will be required to take and pass a test ensuring their competence in each of the training content categories. We believe that up to 30 hours of training, as stated in the proposed rule, is sufficient for Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel in Federally-facilitated Exchanges and State Partnership Exchanges to perform their duties and is in keeping with the number of hours of training many states require for individuals seeking licensure as an agent or broker. We also note that State Exchanges using 1311(a) Establishment funds for their non- Navigator assistance programs, such as in-person assistance programs, may choose to require additional hours of training. In addition, with regard to state law training requirements, 45 CFR (c)(1)(iii) requires Navigators to meet state licensing, certification and
16 42838 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations other requirements, if applicable. We are amending that provision in this rule to require that those standards must be met so long as they do not prevent the application of the provisions of title I of the Affordable Care Act. Comment: One commenter sought confirmation that the HHS approved training does not apply to State Exchanges. Response: State Exchanges must develop their own training and certification programs for Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel, and, as explained earlier in this rule, may use section 1311(a) Exchange Establishment grant funds to cover the administrative costs associated with this requirement. If a State Exchange uses section 1311(a) Exchange Establishment grant funds for this purpose, it must comply with the training standards set forth in this rule. Comment: Several comments suggested that training content should be made available to all who are interested, including individuals who are not seeking to be certified application counselors or to serve as Navigators or non-navigator assistance personnel, but who will work with consumers by providing education or problem-solving, such as people who work for legal-services organizations. Response: We understand there may be individuals who are not Navigators, non-navigator assistance personnel or certified application counselors, but who are interested in assisting consumers with applying for and enrolling in QHPs and insurance affordability programs. While we intend to make the training available online only those individuals who are certified can act as certified application counselors, Navigators, or non- Navigator assistance personnel by Federally-facilitated Exchanges. c. Providing Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS Standards) ( (c)) At (c), we proposed standards for the use and provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate tools and services for those who seek assistance from Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel in a Federally-facilitated Exchange or State Partnership Exchange, and for non- Navigator assistance personnel in a State Exchange that are funded with section 1311(a) Exchange Establishment grants. Section 1311(i)(3)(E) of the Affordable Care Act directs that Navigator entities have a duty to provide information in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate to the needs of the population being served by the Exchange or Exchanges. Section (e)(5) requires Navigators to provide information in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate to the needs of the population being served by the Exchange, including individuals with limited English proficiency ( (e)(5)). Additionally, all non- Navigator assistance personnel must meet the accessibility standards set forth at (c). Independent of these obligations, certain Federal civil rights laws, such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, also apply to Navigators in Federally-facilitated and State Partnership Exchanges. These laws also apply to non-navigator assistance programs in State Exchanges and State Partnership Exchanges to the extent such programs receive federal financial assistance. These federal civil rights laws impose nondiscrimination obligations with respect to persons with disabilities and that address the communications needs of persons who have limited English proficiency (LEP). While the proposed training module content standards discussed earlier in this preamble included a requirement that training include providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services, the proposed rule also provided more specific standards for ensuring meaningful access. These proposed standards should be read together with all other applicable standards issued by the Secretary related to ensuring meaningful access to information by individuals with limited English proficiency, as required under (e)(5) and (c) (as applied to Navigators and non- Navigators by (d) and (e)). At (c), we proposed that personnel to which applies should develop, maintain, and regularly update their general knowledge about the racial, ethnic, and cultural groups in their service area, including the primary languages spoken, and continue to use this information. We specified that the proposed requirements would also include that such entities and individuals provide consumers with information and assistance in the consumer s preferred language, which would include oral interpretation of non-english languages and the translation of written documents in non- English languages when necessary to ensure meaningful access. We also proposed that use of a consumer s family or friends as interpreters can satisfy the requirement to provide VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 linguistically appropriate services only when requested by the consumer as the preferred alternative to an offer of other interpretive services by the Navigator or non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies. At (c)(4), we proposed to require that the Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel to which applies provide limited- English-proficient consumers with oral and written notices informing them of their right to receive language assistance services and how to obtain such services. We explained in the preamble to the proposed rule that this requirement could be satisfied using methods outlined in existing (c)(2), which allows for the use of taglines in non-english languages placed on documents or Web sites to indicate the availability of language assistance services. At (c)(6), we proposed to direct the Navigator and non-navigator assistance programs to which applies to implement strategies to recruit and promote a staff that is representative of the demographic characteristics, including primary languages spoken, of the communities in their service area. Comment: Many commenters recommended that CMS interpret the requirements of the proposed rule consistently with the Enhanced National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Health and Health Care (National CLAS Standards) published by the HHS Office of Minority Health ( OMH ) on April 23, 2013, available at https:// Content/clas.asp. Some comments suggested that (c) should be split into two parts, one focused on culture and one on language access. A few other commenters encouraged CMS to define what is included in providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services. Response: We agree that the National CLAS Standards provide guidance for best practices in providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services and encourage all entities providing outreach and enrollment assistance to refer to that document as a resource, as well as the accompanying Blueprint for Advancing and Sustaining CLAS Policy and Practice, a new guidance document for the National CLAS Standards that discusses implementation strategies for each standard, in addition to (c), (d), (e), (e)(5), and (c). We do not believe, however, that it is necessary to divide (c) into subsections, as cultural competency
17 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations and language access are intertwined in the context of a consumer s experience. Comment: Many commenters recommended adding more specificity to the requirement for cultural competency, suggesting that various communities be identified in the regulation, including communities based on immigration status, disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation. They also recommended that CMS require the collection of specific demographic data to ensure various communities are served. Response: Although we are modifying other aspects of paragraph (c)(3), we are not modifying it to add specificity to the requirement of cultural competency. programs to which applies must provide services that are appropriate to all of the cultures of the communities they serve. We want to ensure we do not limit the requirement by including a detailed list of communities, and so are not amending the proposal to include such a requirement. We also want to ensure that Navigators and non-navigator assistance programs to which applies have the flexibility to determine what information is most relevant to the communities they serve. Comment: We received numerous comments concerning the provision of translation services, including when it is appropriate to rely on a consumer s family or friends to provide oral interpretations. In particular, some commenters encouraged CMS to amend (c)(3) to require translated services when requested by the consumer to ensure effective communication, rather than where necessary for meaningful access. Some commenters also wanted clarification on the relationship between the duty to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services and the duty to make appropriate referrals. Response: In response to commenters concerns, we have amended (c)(3) to read when necessary or when requested by the consumer to ensure effective communication, rather than where necessary for meaningful access. While Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel are required to provide information in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate to the needs of the population being served, a referral may be the most appropriate method for complying with that requirement in some circumstances. For example, a Navigator or non-navigator assistance personnel to which may not have the resources to serve directly someone who speaks a language spoken by a specific individual within their service area and may need to refer the individual to another program. In such circumstances, the Navigator or non-navigator assistance personnel should make reasonable efforts to make an appropriate referral for the consumer, with the goal of helping them find assistance with a minimum of effort and disruption. We remind Navigators and non-navigator assistance programs receiving federal financial assistance of their independent obligations to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of national origin, among other bases, and may require the provision of language assistance services. Comment: Some commenters recommended that the notice provided to consumers informing them of their right to language access services should be required to be provided in the consumer s preferred language. Response: We agree that it makes the most sense to require the notice of language access services be provided in a consumer s preferred language. Therefore we are amending (c)(4) to require, notice to consumers with limited English proficiency, in their preferred language, informing them of their right to receive language assistance services and how to obtain them. d. Standards Ensuring Access by Persons With Disabilities ( (d)) Existing regulation (e)(5) directs that an entity serving as a Navigator has a duty to ensure accessibility and usability of Navigator tools and functions for individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Similarly, (c), which applies to persons providing consumer assistance pursuant to (d) and (e), requires that persons carrying out those assistance functions provide individuals living with disabilities with information that is accessible, at no cost to the individual, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Additionally, independent of these obligations, certain Federal civil rights laws, such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, also apply to Navigators in Federally-facilitated and State Partnership Exchanges and to non- Navigator assistance programs in State Exchanges and State Partnership Exchanges to the extent such programs receive federal financial assistance. These federal civil rights laws impose VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 nondiscrimination obligations with respect to persons with disabilities and that address the communications needs of persons who have limited English proficiency (LEP). In accordance with these requirements, with respect to Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel in a Federally-facilitated Exchange or State Partnership Exchange, and for non-navigator assistance personnel in a State Exchange that are funded with section 1311(a) Exchange Establishment grants, we proposed in (d)(2) that auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities be provided where necessary for effective communication and discussed when a consumer s family or friends can provide interpretation services. In addition, we proposed at (d)(3) to require Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies to provide assistance to consumers in a location and in a manner that is physically and otherwise accessible to individuals with disabilities. We proposed at (d)(1) that Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel to which applies should ensure that any consumer education materials, Web sites, or other tools utilized for consumer assistance purposes are accessible to people with disabilities. We proposed at (d)(4) that legally authorized representatives be permitted to assist individuals with disabilities to make informed decisions. We proposed in (d)(5) that individuals carrying out Navigator and non-navigator assistance functions to which applies should have the ability to refer people with disabilities to local, state, and federal long-term services and supports programs when appropriate. Finally, we proposed at (d)(6) that personnel to which applies be able to work with all individuals regardless of age, disability, or culture, and seek advice or experts when needed. Comment: A few commenters suggested that CMS should include more specific references to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Department of Justice s updated standards, section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and to the Navigators other obligations under federal law to provide reasonable accommodations, as well as policy modifications when needed to ensure equally effective access to the Navigator program. Some commenters suggested that we clarify what is meant by meaningful access.
18 42840 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations Response: We are adopting the proposed regulation without including more specific references to the ADA or the Rehabilitation Act. Section (e)(5) and (c), (d) and (e) require Navigators and non- Navigator assistance personnel to ensure that persons with disabilities can access and use Navigator and non-navigator assistance services in accordance with the ADA and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also believe that the proposed rule and other applicable standards issued by the Secretary 8 adequately describe meaningful access. Comment: Many commenters recommended that the requirement to provide auxiliary aids and services when necessary should be changed to when requested. They stated that Navigators or non-navigator assistance personnel should not have discretion to determine if the services are necessary. A few commenters recommended that CMS require the use of an interpreter for persons with disabilities, even in instances where a family member is used, to ensure comprehensive, objective information is provided to the consumer. Some commenters believed that family members and friends are not qualified to interpret information of this nature. Response: We agree that the term when necessary may not be sufficient to ensure that persons with disabilities receive the assistance they require. We also believe that the term when requested, on its own, may be insufficient to ensure the appropriate assistance. Some persons with disabilities may not have the capacity to effectively communicate a request for an auxiliary aid or service, such as a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, and some persons with disabilities may not know that they may have a right to an auxiliary aid or service. Additionally, the term when necessary allows the personnel to which applies to provide auxiliary aids and services when these may be obviously needed but when the person with a disability is not able to effectively communicate a request for an auxiliary aid or service. We have therefore modified (d)(2) to state when necessary 8 Examples include: National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care: A Blueprint for Advancing and Sustaining CLAS Policy and Practice, Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, April 2013, https://www.thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/guis/ GUI_TCHRegister.asp?mode=new&clas=yes; Language Access Plan, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013, open/execorders/2013-hhs-language-accessplan.pdf. or when requested by the consumer to ensure effective communication We disagree, however, that use of an interpreter should be required. Giving an individual the opportunity to request that a friend or family member serve as an interpreter, as an alternative to an auxiliary aid, allows the individual to choose to receive assistance in a manner that is most comfortable to that individual. Comment: Several commenters recommended that CMS provide information about commonly needed auxiliary aids and services and about accessibility features of different qualified health plans, including information about plan and provider accessibility, depending on the needs of the person with a disability. Response: HHS training modules for the Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies will include content on accessibility needs and how to provide for them. Providing information about specific auxiliary aids and services and about plan and provider accessibility is beyond the scope of the duties of the Navigator and non-navigator assistance programs. Comment: Many commenters recommended that the word legally should be deleted from the authorized representative provision because the streamlined application allows designation of a representative without a legal determination and many persons with disabilities have an authorized representative that has not been legally determined. Response: We agree with the comments and have modified (d)(4) accordingly. Comment: Several commenters generally requested that CMS provide more specific protocols regarding referrals. A few commenters recommended that CMS clarify the requirement in paragraph (d)(5) to acquire sufficient knowledge to refer people with disabilities to local, state, and federal long-term services and support programs, to clearly state that these referrals would be made to facilitate consumer access to additional services, not for assistance with enrollment in coverage. Response: We agree that Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies should have sufficient knowledge to be able to refer individuals with disabilities to additional assistance personnel to facilitate consumer access to additional services. As stated in paragraph (d)(5), these referrals should be made to local, state, and federal long-term services and supports programs when appropriate. VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 The final rule will not be modified to specify the entities to which referrals must be made as such referrals will vary based on the needs of the individual and the available resources in each community. e. Monitoring ( (e)) We proposed in (e) that Federally-facilitated Exchanges (including State Partnership Exchanges) will monitor compliance with the standards described in and with the requirements described in (d) and (e) and To the extent possible, these Exchanges will engage in monitoring whether the personnel serving their consumers comply with the applicable standards, including, for example: Reviewing reports filed by Navigators and reviewing the attestations and conflictof-interest plans that are required to be submitted to the Exchange, under (a)(1)(i) through (ii) and (a)(2)(ii) through (iii) of this regulation; conducting discussions with states in which Navigator grantees and non- Navigator assistance personnel exercise their functions; and reviewing casework and complaints filed with the Exchange or a relevant state. We solicited comments on how monitoring for non- Navigator assistance personnel in State Exchanges funded through federal Exchange Establishment grants should be conducted. Comment: The majority of comments received on the monitoring provisions requested that CMS provide more guidance about how monitoring will be conducted. Some commenters provided suggestions about how to conduct monitoring. Recommendations include establishing a Navigator portal, conducting consumer experience surveys, secret shoppers, data collection activities, coordination with issuers, and reviewing consumer complaints. Response: We will monitor Navigators in the Federally-facilitated Exchanges and State Partnership Exchanges in a manner consistent with the HHS regulations at 45 CFR parts 74 and 92 that apply to grants and cooperative agreements. Under this authority, we will monitor Navigator grantees for compliance with the terms of the program, including review of documents created and retained by the grantees, such as financial reports and performance reports. As appropriate, we may also conduct site visits or audits of Navigator programs. In addition to monitoring grantees under these provisions, we plan to work closely with states, consumer groups and issuers as part of our monitoring
19 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations activities to help ensure compliance with the standards applicable to programs to which applies. We will also review consumer complaints received by HHS and the Exchange that relate to Navigators and non-navigators to help identify possible compliance issues. If a Navigator or non-navigator is suspected of fraud or violations of other applicable federal laws, we will work closely with the appropriate federal agencies to ensure that the matter is fully investigated and addressed in a manner consistent with federal law. Comment: Several commenters had specific recommendations about data collection for oversight purposes, including specific data points that should be collected as part of monitoring activities. Response: Navigator grantees have data collection requirements specific to their grants. Similarly, non-navigator assistance programs may have data collection requirements set by the states in which they are operating. In addition, if states use federal grant funds to establish and run non-navigator assistance programs, HHS will monitor the use of those federal grant funds in a manner consistent with the HHS regulations at 45 CFR part 92 that apply to grants to states. We are currently reviewing data collection by Exchanges and will take the comments under consideration. f. Summary of Changes We are finalizing new with minor changes. First, (a)(1)(iv) and (a)(2)(v) are being revised to include a requirement that disclosures to consumers of non-prohibited conflicts of interest must be in plain language. Second, (a)(2)(i) is being amended to require the non-navigator assistance personnel to whom the rule applies to comply with (e)(2), which requires providing information to consumers in a fair, accurate, and impartial manner. Third, (c)(3) is being amended to require Navigators and non-navigator assistance personnel to which applies to provide language access services to consumers when requested or necessary to ensure effective communication. A similar revision is also made with respect to the availability of auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities in (d)(2). Section (c)(4) is being amended to require the notice to LEP consumers regarding the availability of language access services, must be in the consumer s preferred language. Lastly, (d)(4) is being revised to remove the term legally from the phrase legally authorized representative. C. Certified Application Counselors ( ) The provisions of this section were proposed as part of the January 22, 2013 proposed rule (78 FR 4594). 1. General Rule and Standards of Certification (Proposed (a) and (b) Renumbered as (a), (b), (c), & (d)). In paragraph (a), we proposed that each Exchange must certify staff and volunteers of both Exchange-designated organizations and organizations designated by state Medicaid and CHIP agencies to act as certified application counselors. We also proposed the minimum duties of certified application counselors, including providing consumers with information about insurance affordability programs and coverage options, assisting them with applications, and facilitating their enrollment in QHPs and insurance affordability programs. In paragraph (b), we proposed certification standards for certified application counselors, including registering with the Exchange, completing required training, disclosing conflicts of interest, complying with the privacy and security standards of the Exchange, acting in the best interest of the applicants assisted, complying with applicable state law, providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, and entering into an agreement with the Exchange to comply with the standards in this paragraph. In the preamble to the proposed rule, we noted that an Exchange could develop a single set of core training materials that can be used by Navigators, agents and brokers, and certified application counselors, and that federal training and support materials would be made available for use by State Exchanges. We sought comment on whether State Exchanges should have the authority to create additional standards for certification or otherwise limit eligibility of certified application counselors beyond what we proposed. Comment: We received many comments from a wide variety of entities, including state agencies, medical and health care trade associations, health insurers and insurance trade associations, and consumer advocacy organizations, supporting the need for certified application counselors. Other commenters objected to the program or asked that it be optional. Reasons commenters offered for objecting to the program or asking that it be optional VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 included their belief that other entities will already provide the assistance that certified application counselors are designed to provide, wanting increased flexibility for State Exchanges, and the challenges of implementing a new application assistance program so close to its required implementation. Response: Exchanges are required by (d) and (e) to provide consumer assistance, outreach, and education, and we believe a variety of assistance options can most efficiently connect consumers with affordable and appropriate health insurance coverage through the Exchanges. We note that, since each Exchange is responsible for establishing its own certified application counselor program, the program s scope can vary based on each Exchange s needs and market features. States operating a State Exchange will have the flexibility to determine the size and scope of their certified application counselor program in order to meet the needs of consumers in the state. We also understand commenters concerns about the challenges faced by Exchanges when directly overseeing each individual certified application counselor. To help address these concerns, we are amending the proposed (a) and (b). Instead of the Exchange certifying each individual application counselor, and in order to allow Exchanges flexibility, the final rule provides that each Exchange may either designate organizations to certify their staff members and volunteers as application counselors, certify individual application counselors directly, as provided in the proposed rule, or do both. We intend that Federally-facilitated Exchanges will designate organizations to certify application counselors. We are allowing State Exchanges to choose among these options. Designated organizations will be required to enter into an agreement with the Exchange and must enter into an agreement with each of their certified application counselors regarding compliance with the requirements of Certified application counselors must enter into an agreement with the applicable certifying entity and comply with all of the standards set forth in paragraphs (d), (f), and (g) (renumbered from paragraphs (b), (d), and (e) in the proposed rule). We believe that offering this modified structure will help simplify the implementation of a certified application counselor program. We also believe that, by retaining the option of using a direct certification model as proposed in the proposed rule and finalized as an option under (b)(2), the final regulation will
20 42842 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations not disrupt any State Exchange efforts already underway to implement the certified application counselor program. In addition to creating efficiencies and flexibility for Exchanges, we think that designating organizations to certify their staff members and volunteers as application counselors will result in closer supervision and monitoring of the certified application counselors. Designated organizations already oversee their employees and volunteers and will be organizations that have processes in place to ensure compliance with security and privacy concerns, and are in a better position to ensure that their staff and volunteers comply with the certified application counselor standards set forth in this rule. Each organization designated by an Exchange to certify application counselors must maintain a registration process and method to track the performance of certified application counselors. HHS will address in guidance the process that the Federally-facilitated Exchanges will follow when designating organizations to certify staff and volunteers as application counselors. As specified in paragraph (b)(1), this process will include an agreement between the designated organization and the Exchange which will direct the designated organization to certify only staff and volunteers who comply with the requirements of Comment: Some commenters requested clarification regarding the types of organizations that, under the proposed rule, could be designated to have their staff and volunteers serve as certified application counselors, and several appreciated HHS s recognition that health care providers, communitybased organizations, and community health centers play an important role in providing application assistance. Various commenters proposed that staff and volunteers of many types of organizations should be allowed to be certified application counselors, including hospitals, vendors who assist providers with eligibility and enrollment, non-profit patient advocacy organizations, community based organizations, integrated delivery systems, health insurance issuers, and multi-employer associations. Response: We believe that it is important to engage organizations that have long played a vital role in facilitating enrollment for individuals seeking coverage, already have processes in place to ensure that their staff and volunteers have been screened, and already have systems in place for protecting personally identifiable information. In order to ensure that organizations designated to certify their staff members and volunteers as application counselors have these types of safeguards in place, we expect the types of organizations the Federallyfacilitated Exchanges will designate will be limited to community health centers such as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs); hospitals; health care providers (including Indian Health Services, Indian tribes and Urban Indian organizations that provide health care); behavioral health or mental health providers; Ryan White HIV/AIDS providers; agencies which have experience providing social services to the community, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outreach, energy assistance, or tax assistance, that are either non-federal governmental entities or organized under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code; or other local governmental agencies that have similar processes and protections in place, which may include organizations such as other health care providers, health departments, and local libraries. Since these types of organizations already have many of the processes in place that are necessary to meet the standards in (b)(1) and to ensure that their staff and volunteers meet the standards of certification in (d) (renumbered from subparagraph (b) in the proposed rule), we anticipate that the burden on these organizations to certify their staff members and volunteers as certified application counselors will be minimal. Furthermore, no organization is required to certify its staff members and volunteers as application counselors; the program is completely voluntary. The Federally-facilitated Exchange will list on its Web site the organizations that apply and it designates to provide certified application counselors as a resource for consumers. Comment: Several commenters expressed support for the proposed requirement that certified application counselors disclose potential conflicts of interest. Many commenters suggested that health insurance issuers, their subsidiaries, and agents and brokers should not be allowed to serve as certified application counselors due to conflicts of interest. Several commenters asked us to clarify the legal and liability rules for staff of health insurance issuers acting as certified application counselors when the entity offers insurance coverage. Response: We are finalizing the proposal that certified application counselors must disclose conflicts of interest. To accommodate the Exchanges designating organizations to certify individual application counselors and VerDate Mar<15> :24 Jul 16, 2013 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\17JYR2.SGM 17JYR2 the State Exchanges, if they choose, to certify individual application counselors directly, the final rule provides that this disclosure should be to the Exchange-designated organization and to potential applicants, or if an Exchange directly certifies individual application counselors, to the Exchange and to potential applicants. As proposed, we do not think that any conflict of interest should prohibit certified application counselors from helping consumers apply for and enroll in coverage. In (d)(2) (renumbered from paragraph (b)(3) in the proposed rule), we finalize the proposal that the potential conflicts of interest that certified application counselors must disclose include, but are not limited to, any relationships with QHPs or insurance affordability programs, such as Medicaid plans and Medicaid managed care organizations. We believe this approach balances the goal of allowing a wide range of certified application counselors to assist consumers while providing them the information that will help them understand whether the certified application counselor has any conflicts or potential conflicts of interest that may color the information being provided. Comment: A commenter proposed that anyone seeking to serve as a certified application counselor should have Medicaid/CHIP experience or experience with underserved communities. Response: To encourage participation from organizations, we have not amended the final rule to require this experience. Section (d) requires certified application counselors to be trained on the benefits, rules, and regulations governing all insurance affordability programs operated in the state, prior to functioning as a certified application counselor. Therefore, all certified application counselors will have the knowledge and skills necessary to assist consumers with Medicaid and CHIP. Comment: A large number of commenters expressed concerns about the fact that certified application counselors would not be funded through the Exchange. Several commenters feared that taking on an unfunded assistance role would stretch the already slim resources of community-based organizations. Commenters offered a variety of solutions, including allowing Exchanges, states, or Medicaid programs to fund certified application counselors; HHS providing information about possible funding streams; making funds
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2012 / Rules and Regulations. CALIFORNIA OZONE Continued [8-Hour standard]
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 21, 2012 / Rules and Regulations 16453 CALIFORNIA OZONE Continued [8-Hour standard] Designated area Designation a Classification Date 1 Type Date 1
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TECHNICAL GUIDANCE- March 30, 2016
TECHNICAL GUIDANCE- March 30, 2016 DATE: March 30, 2016 SUBJECT: Guidance and Population Data for Exchanges, Qualified Health Plan Issuers, and Web-Brokers to Ensure Meaningful Access by Limited-English