At press time, the U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a package of health care bills that includes H.R. 1386, the “ENROLL Act,” by Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Florida). The broader package became part of H.R. 987, the “MORE Health Education Act,” and is expected to pass.

The Affordable Care Act originally created the Navigator program to help consumers enroll in federally facilitated plans. The Trump Administration has significantly cut funding for Navigators over the past two years. H.R. 1386 would restore $100 million in funding for Navigators. The Big “I” has continuously advocated against funding Navigators because it believes agents and brokers are best suited to help consumers meet their health care needs.

The broader legislation also includes provisions on drug pricing and a measure that would effectively prohibit the Trump Administration's short-term health plans. The legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate, where it is expected to face opposition from Republicans.

Wyatt Stewart is Big “I” senior director of federal government affairs.