Navigator Certification Act (SB1194) Summary

• Requires individuals and entities performing navigator services in Illinois to obtain certification from the Director of Insurance before performing, offering, or advertising navigator services or receiving navigator grant funding.

• Navigators must conduct public education, distribute fair information about health plans and tax credits, facilitate enrollment, and provide referrals to appropriate agencies, while delivering services in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways.

• Prohibits navigators from selling insurance, recommending specific health plans, providing information about non-exchange plans, or accepting compensation from insurers dependent on enrollment in particular plans.

• Requires initial federal and state training completion, annual certificate renewal with continuing education requirements, and reporting to the Director of administrative actions, criminal prosecutions, or violations within 30 days.

• Establishes grounds for certificate denial, suspension, or revocation; allows the Director to contract with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for administrative functions; and exempts licensed insurance producers from these requirements.