Senate Bill 593 proposes significant amendments to Wisconsin's insurance laws, particularly concerning the Wisconsin Healthcare Stability Plan and the regulation of navigators who assist individuals in obtaining health insurance. The bill removes the deadline of December 31, 2023, for the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) to request a renewal of the federal waiver supporting the healthcare stability plan. It also clarifies definitions related to navigators, ensuring that background check requirements apply solely to individuals seeking navigator licenses. Additionally, the bill renumbers and amends various sections of the statutes to incorporate these changes.

The legislation introduces new licensing and registration requirements for navigators, stipulating that no individual or entity may operate as a navigator without proper licensure or registration. It mandates that applicants pass a written examination on their responsibilities and relevant laws, and it requires navigator entities to register with the commissioner, ensuring they have appropriate policies and legal accountability for their navigators. Furthermore, the bill establishes training requirements, including 16 hours of prelicensing training and an 8-hour annual course, and it mandates background checks for applicants. The title of the relevant statute is updated to include navigator entities and non-navigator assisters, while also clarifying prohibited practices for these entities.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 601.83(1)(a), 601.83, 628.90(3)(b), 628.90, 628.91