New ENROLL Act Guarantees $100M for ACA Navigators, Mandates In-Person Help Starting 2026

The ENROLL Act of 2025, or the Expand Navigators Resources for Outreach, Learning, and Longevity Act, is essentially a major overhaul for the ACA’s Navigator program—those folks who help you figure out health insurance when you’re not sure what button to click. This bill doesn’t just tweak the program; it gives it a massive infusion of cash and expands its job description, starting with the 2026 plan year.

Bigger Budget, Better Access

The biggest headline here is the money. For any state where the federal government runs the health insurance Marketplace (which is most of them), this bill mandates that the Secretary must set aside $100 million annually for Navigator grants, starting in fiscal year 2026. This funding is pulled from user fees charged to health insurance companies, meaning it’s a dedicated, guaranteed stream of money. For the average person looking for coverage, this means the Navigator program isn’t going to be subject to the budget roller coaster it has been in the past. It’s designed to provide stability and ensure help is actually available when you need it.

Beyond the ACA: Your New Comprehensive Guide

Previously, Navigators focused primarily on Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) available through the ACA Marketplace. Under the ENROLL Act, their duties are significantly expanded. Now, they must also be able to explain the ins and outs of State Medicaid plans (Title XIX) and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). If you’re a family whose income changes—maybe you lost a job or got a raise—you often have to switch between ACA subsidies and Medicaid/CHIP. This change means you only need to talk to one person to understand all your options, cutting down on the bureaucratic runaround. Furthermore, Navigators are now required to run year-round public education campaigns using simple language, ensuring people understand their rights and protections, not just during the annual open enrollment rush.

The Return of Face-to-Face Help

For years, getting in-person help with complex enrollment issues has been tough in many areas. This bill addresses that by requiring Navigator groups to maintain a physical office or presence within the state they serve. This is a big deal if you live in a rural area or simply prefer sitting down with someone to go over your paperwork. For the organizations running the program, this physical presence requirement ensures that assistance isn't just a website or a phone number but a tangible resource in the community.

Flexibility for the Helpers

The bill also removes some significant restrictions on Navigator groups. They are no longer prohibited from receiving funds from other sources or from being compensated for enrollment services related to QHPs. While this flexibility could help organizations stabilize their finances and expand their reach, it’s worth watching to ensure that outside funding doesn't introduce conflicts of interest down the line. However, the bill specifically prevents the federal Marketplace from disqualifying an applicant just because they plan to discuss group health plans that are not QHPs, recognizing that many people need to compare their options, including employer-based coverage. This change acknowledges the reality that people often need information on more than just the Marketplace plans to make the best choice.