The National Association of Insurance Commissioners urged federal lawmakers this week to make sure health insurance agents and brokers have a secure future as health care reform moves forward.

At its annual meeting, the NAIC passed a resolution asking that health insurance exchange "Navigators" — as appointed by the Affordable Care Act — assist consumers in their health care choices but still appropriately reflect the important role that licensed health insurance professionals play in health care purchases.

In 2014, under health reform law, exchange "navigators" will conduct public education and distribute fair and impartial information concerning enrollment in health plans and provide referrals for consumer assistance. However, as the NAIC points out, navigators are not "licensed and trained" insurance producers and are not authorized to engage in all activities that are appropriate for licensed producers.