Glossary
Navigator (ACA Navigator)
A federally-certified, CMS-funded enrollment helper who provides free, unbiased assistance with Marketplace, Medicaid, and CHIP applications. Navigators must complete federal training, must remain neutral, and cannot recommend specific plans or earn commissions.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
A Navigator is a federally-certified, CMS-funded enrollment helper who provides free, unbiased assistance with the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, and CHIP. Navigators are people, not software. They work for nonprofit organizations, community groups, or universities that win competitive federal grants from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) every year. Their job is to help you understand your options and complete an application. They do not earn commissions and cannot push you toward a specific plan.
What Navigators do
- Explain how the Marketplace works
- Help you create or log into your HealthCare.gov account
- Walk you through the application step by step
- Help you provide proof of income, citizenship, or immigration status
- Explain subsidy eligibility (APTC and CSR)
- Identify if you may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP instead of a Marketplace plan
- Help you compare plans within a metal tier
- Provide post-enrollment support (using your coverage, filing appeals)
What Navigators cannot do
- Recommend a specific plan. Federal rules require them to remain neutral. They can show you options and explain differences but cannot say “pick this one.”
- Earn commissions. They are paid through federal grants, not by insurance carriers.
- Sell insurance. They are not licensed agents or brokers.
- Charge you. Their services are always free.
How to find one
- Visit LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov and enter your ZIP code
- Call the Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325), 24/7
- Look for Navigator organizations affiliated with hospitals, FQHCs (Federally Qualified Health Centers), or community groups in your area
Help is available in person, by phone, or virtually. Many Navigator organizations offer service in Spanish and other languages.
Navigator vs. broker
| Navigator | Licensed Broker / Agent | |
|---|---|---|
| Paid by | Federal grant (CMS) | Insurance carrier (commission) |
| Can recommend a plan | No | Yes |
| Sells insurance | No | Yes |
| Cost to you | $0 | $0 (commission paid by carrier) |
| Required training | Federal + state certification | State license + ACA certification |
Both are legitimate options. A Navigator is best if you want help understanding the system without sales pressure. A licensed broker is best if you want a specific plan recommendation tailored to your doctors, drugs, and budget.
Example
A single mother in North Carolina earning $34,000 a year is unsure if she should enroll in a Marketplace plan or apply for Medicaid for her kids. She calls a local Navigator at her county health department. The Navigator helps her file one combined application that screens for both. Her kids end up qualifying for CHIP at $0 premium and she qualifies for a Silver Marketplace plan with a $0 premium and CSR. The Navigator never tells her which Silver plan to pick, but she walks her through comparing the three lowest-cost Silver options in her county.
Related terms
- Certified Application Counselor
- Qualified Health Plan
- Open Enrollment Period
- Special Enrollment Period
Run the calculator first to see your estimated subsidy, then take that number to a Navigator or broker.