Governor Jay Nixon signed a bill that now requires insurance counselors or navigators to be licensed by the state.
The counselors are required to get the license in order to help consumers search for their insurance options on an online marketplace called a health insurance exchange. The exchanges are set to start on October 1st of this year as part of the Affordable Care Act.
According to the St. Louis Dispatch the legislation, which was sought out by insurance agents is intended to sort out corrupt navigators. Some advocates are worried the new law could make it more difficult for navigators to help consumers because it prevents them from recommending certain health plans. There is concern the new requirements will be hard to meet by the October deadline.
