S.2024 - Expand Navigators’ Resources for Outreach, Learning, and Longevity Act of 2025; ENROLL Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.2024, the "Expand Navigators' Resources for Outreach, Learning, and Longevity Act of 2025" or "ENROLL Act of 2025," aims to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) to enhance the navigator program. The bill focuses on increasing the resources and reach of navigators who assist individuals in understanding and enrolling in health insurance plans. It emphasizes the selection criteria for navigator grant recipients, the duties of navigators, and the funding mechanisms for the program, particularly within states that utilize the federal exchange.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to increased enrollment in qualified health plans, Medicaid, and CHIP due to enhanced outreach and assistance from navigators. It will also ensure that navigators provide comprehensive information and maintain a physical presence to assist consumers. The bill mandates specific funding allocations for federal exchanges, ensuring the program's sustainability.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to healthcare coverage through improved navigator services.
- Enhanced public awareness of health insurance options and protections.
- Prioritization of community and consumer-focused nonprofit groups in navigator grant selection.
- Dedicated funding for navigator programs in federal exchange states.
- In-person assistance for consumers navigating the health insurance marketplace.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased government spending through dedicated funding for navigator programs.
- Potential for increased user fees on health insurance issuers to fund the program.
- Possible administrative burden on exchanges to comply with new selection and oversight requirements.
- The bill does not address the underlying cost of healthcare, focusing instead on enrollment.
- The effectiveness of the program depends on the quality and training of navigators.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve access to healthcare. Specifically, the preamble states the government should "promote the general Welfare". The expansion of the navigator program could be seen as a means to achieve this. The bill operates within the existing framework of the Affordable Care Act, which has been subject to constitutional challenges and upheld by the Supreme Court. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).