Mo. agency sets rules for insurance counselors

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Missouri Department of Insurance has filed an emergency rule for the licensing of people that will help state residents search for health plans on an online marketplace.

Legislation signed this year by Gov. Jay Nixon creates state requirements for the helpers, who are called navigators. People applying for a state license will need to pass an examination. The cost for applying will be $25 for individuals and $50 for an entity. Licenses will be valid for two years.

Requirements for a navigator license will include being age 18 or older, living in Missouri or keeping a business in the state. Those wanting to be navigators also should not have committed any acts that would grounds to refuse an insurance producer license.