ENROLL Act Secures $100M Annual Funding for Health Navigators, Expands Help to Include Medicaid and CHIP

The new ENROLL Act of 2025 is looking to beef up the support system for folks trying to navigate the confusing world of health insurance. Starting in 2026, this bill mandates a steady stream of $100 million annually for the Navigator program in states where the federal government runs the health insurance marketplace (the Exchange). This money, which comes from user fees paid by health insurance companies, is dedicated solely to helping consumers sign up for coverage.

The Health Insurance Help Desk Just Got a Major Upgrade

Think of Navigators as the free, non-commissioned insurance brokers who actually work for you. Before the ENROLL Act, their main job was helping people sign up for the standard Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) on the Marketplace. Under the new rules (SEC. 2), their job description expands significantly. They now must also provide information and assistance regarding State Medicaid plans and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This is huge: if you’re a parent trying to figure out if your kids qualify for CHIP or if you’ve recently lost a job and need Medicaid, the Navigator is now required to offer comprehensive help across the board, not just on the Marketplace plans.

The bill also addresses a long-standing issue of access. Navigators are now required to maintain a physical presence within the state so they can offer in-person help. For people who aren't digital natives or live in areas with spotty internet, this means crucial assistance will be available face-to-face, not just through a call center. Plus, the bill requires Navigators to use “plain language” in their public education efforts, making sure consumers actually understand the protections and requirements of their plans.

Who Gets the Money and Why It Matters

The dedicated $100 million funding stream, sourced from insurer fees, brings stability to a program that often saw its funding fluctuate wildly based on political winds. Stability means better training, better outreach, and more reliable help when you need it most. The bill also throws a lifeline to consumer advocacy: it specifically requires that at least one grant each year goes to a non-profit group focused on community and consumer advocacy. This ensures that groups whose primary mission is consumer protection have a guaranteed seat at the table.

One small but important change is how applicants are selected. The government can no longer disqualify an organization just because it also plans to give information about group health plans that are not standard Marketplace plans. This removes a past restriction that sometimes limited who could serve as a Navigator, potentially allowing more experienced organizations to participate. However, the bill does give the Secretary discretion to select organizations based on their “proven ability” to handle all the duties, which is a bit vague and could potentially favor certain existing grantees.

The Bottom Line for Your Wallet

If you live in a state with a federal Exchange, this bill means better, more comprehensive, and more stable access to free enrollment help starting in the 2026 plan year. For the average person juggling work and family, this is less time spent on hold and less risk of signing up for the wrong plan. The cost of this stability is borne by health insurance issuers, who fund the grants through user fees—a cost that is typically passed down to consumers through premiums. But in exchange, consumers get guaranteed, expanded access to crucial enrollment help that covers all major public health programs.