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

credit:

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