An amendment offered by 5th District Congresswoman Jahana Hayes was included in a bill passed by the House aimed at Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs. 

The amendment calls for $25 million for navigator programs within state-based health care exchanges, like Connecticut.  Navigators raise awareness about available health care plans, educate consumers about available premium tax credits, and provide technical enrollment assistance to consumers looking to buy health insurance. 

Hayes says they are a vital part of the blueprint to increase health care coverage.  She says overall bill defends critical protections for people with pre-existing conditions and would make skyrocketing drug prices more affordable.

This bill now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.