When Exchanges were in their infancy, and public awareness and understanding of coverage options was low, the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) encouraged Navigators to cast a wide net and to provide intensive face-to-face assistance to consumers.

The FFEs have been in operation

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since 2013 for the 2014 open enrollment period, and the public is more aware of the options for private coverage available through them.

Certified application counselors, direct enrollment partners, and Exchange-registered agents and brokers serve as additional resources to consumers.

It is appropriate to scale down the Navigator program to reflect the enhanced public awareness of health coverage through the Exchanges.