Health Care Insurance Navigators

Individuals who are considering a job as a health insurance navigator should familiarize themselves with the Affordable Care Act, which can be accessed through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Web site (https://www.hhs.gov). Familiarity with insurance terms and options may be gained by taking courses in insurance or interning at an insurance company, while an understanding of the different needs of consumers from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, or for whom English may be a second language, may be obtained by volunteering with community agencies. Individuals considering become a health insurance navigator may wish to review resources offered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which detail their obligations, duties, and manner in which their tasks are to be performed. Some navigator positions are available at nonprofit agencies, but volunteers are nevertheless subject to training and certification requirements.

Participate in information interviews with navigators. In such an interview—which can be conducted in-person, on the phone, or through video-conferencing technology—you will get the opportunity to ask navigators about their job duties, work environment, likes and dislikes about their careers, educational training, and other topics that will help you to learn more about the field. Ask your school counselor or a teacher to help you set up information interviews.

Look for jobs or volunteer opportunities in which you help others learn a new skill or obtain information. Such opportunities will give you a good introduction about the rewards and challenges of helping others.