A judge in Davidson County Chancery Court heard arguments for and against the state insurance regulations on Monday afternoon. The plaintiffs are asking for an injunction to block the rules. Credit: Romec1 via Flickr
The city of Nashville is a little confused by state rules that seem to suggest a government worker could be fined for helping someone sign up for health insurance through Obamacare. The city has joined in a lawsuit challenging new regulations.
Tennessee’s Department of Commerce and Insurance has told nervous librarians and public health workers that they have nothing to worry about. But the rules requiring official Obamacare recruiters – known as “Navigators” – to register and get background checks are written so broadly as to include “anyone who…facilitates enrollment.” The punishment for breaking the rules issued two weeks ago includes a $1,000 fine.
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean says its not enough to tell employees they should be safe to give advice on insurance.
“We’re called upon – because of our role in running a public health facility, running libraries, running a hospital – to give information. And we just want to make sure we’re following the law. And I think clarity is a good thing.”
The initial lawsuit was filed Friday by the League of Women Voters of Tennessee.
The friend of the court brief filed by Metro Government asks that a judge step in and block the state regulations governing Obamacare recruiters.
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