Major changes are coming to ACA Marketplace enrollment workflows for Plan Year 2027. Insurance agents and brokers who assist consumers with Marketplace coverage will need to adapt to new enrollment procedures, including greater reliance on approved Enhanced Direct Enrollment (EDE) platforms and new Agent Authorization requirements.
With the 2027 Open Enrollment Period beginning November 1, agents should understand how these changes affect enrollment submissions, application updates, and their ability to assist consumers.
For Plan Year 2027, agents participating in the federally facilitated Marketplace will no longer be able to rely on HealthCare.gov or the Marketplace Call Center to complete routine agent-assisted enrollments or make application changes with their National Producer Number (NPN) attached.
Instead, approved Enhanced Direct Enrollment (EDE) platforms, such as HealthSherpa, will become the primary channel for agent-assisted Marketplace transactions.
These changes are part of CMS's broader efforts to prevent unauthorized enrollments, strengthen consumer protections, and improve accountability throughout the Marketplace enrollment process.
For independent agents selling ACA health insurance plans through PSM Brokerage, understanding these requirements is an important part of preparing for the upcoming enrollment season.
An Enhanced Direct Enrollment platform is a CMS-approved third-party solution that allows authorized insurance agents to help consumers apply for and enroll in Marketplace coverage.
Rather than relying on the traditional HealthCare.gov enrollment experience, agents can use EDE technology to complete many enrollment-related activities through an integrated platform.
Depending on the platform, capabilities may include:
HealthSherpa is one example of an EDE platform widely used by independent ACA agents.
PSM agents can explore HealthSherpa and other tools through the PSM Agent Dashboard.
Agents can also review the official CMS list of approved Direct Enrollment partners.
Another significant change is the CMS Agent Authorization requirement, which took effect October 12, 2026.
Under this process, consumers must authorize the specific agent or broker assisting with their Marketplace application before the agent can proceed through the applicable EDE enrollment pathway.
Depending on the EDE platform, consumers may receive authorization requests through email, text message, or a verification process.
Authorization generally applies once per plan year, per agent, per EDE platform.
Agents should also understand that an existing NPN association does not automatically satisfy the new authorization requirement.
For a more detailed explanation, read our article: New CMS Agent Authorization Requirement: What ACA Agents Need to Know for 2027.
One important distinction agents must understand is that Agent Authorization, Consumer Consent, and Eligibility Application Review serve different purposes.
Agent Authorization: Confirms that a specific agent is authorized to access and assist with a consumer's Marketplace application through the applicable enrollment pathway.
Consumer Consent: Documents the consumer's permission for an agent or broker to provide Marketplace enrollment assistance.
Eligibility Application Review: Documents that the consumer reviewed and confirmed the accuracy of their eligibility application information before submission.
Agents must continue obtaining and retaining required documentation. Completing Agent Authorization does not eliminate the existing consumer consent or application review requirements.
For additional guidance, see ACA Open Enrollment 2027: Two Consumer Consent Requirements Insurance Agents Must Know.
Beginning with the 2027 Open Enrollment Period, the Marketplace Call Center will generally no longer process broker-requested enrollment submissions or application updates with an agent's NPN attached.
Limited exceptions may apply in complex situations where assistance through the standard EDE process is not possible.
Consumers can still access HealthCare.gov and the Marketplace Call Center to manage their own coverage.
The key distinction is that these restrictions affect agent-assisted enrollment activities, not consumers' ability to enroll independently.
For agents, the practical takeaway is that relying on the Marketplace Call Center as a routine enrollment workaround will no longer be a dependable strategy.
Preparing now can help agents avoid unnecessary delays as the 2027 Open Enrollment Period approaches.
If you are not already using an EDE platform, begin exploring approved options and understanding their enrollment workflows.
Agents can visit PSM's ACA Agent Resources to explore Marketplace training, enrollment technology, and additional sales resources.
Review how your EDE platform handles consumer authorization, including verification requests, required consumer actions, and potential identity-proofing procedures.
Make sure your team understands when authorization is required and how to help consumers navigate the process.
Confirm that your enrollment workflow includes the required documentation for consumer consent and eligibility application review.
Remember that these requirements remain separate from Agent Authorization.
Accurate consumer phone numbers and email addresses are especially important because authorization and identity-verification requests may be delivered directly to consumers.
Review existing client records before appointments whenever possible.
Practice navigating your EDE platform, completing applications, processing updates, and managing authorization requests.
Identifying problems before Open Enrollment can help reduce friction when enrollment activity increases.
Agents should also stay informed about broader Marketplace developments through PSM's ACA news and updates.
ACA enrollment technology is becoming an increasingly important part of an agent's ability to serve clients efficiently and remain compliant.
The transition toward EDE-based enrollment workflows reinforces the importance of maintaining accurate consumer information, obtaining proper authorization, and documenting required consumer interactions.
Agents who understand these procedures will be better positioned to avoid administrative delays and provide a more consistent enrollment experience.
The goal is straightforward: make sure your enrollment process is ready before the busy season begins.
At PSM Brokerage, we're committed to helping independent agents navigate changing Marketplace requirements while identifying opportunities to grow their businesses.
From ACA product access and enrollment resources to education and ongoing agent support, we provide resources designed to help agents navigate today's insurance marketplace.
Whether you're expanding into ACA coverage or preparing your existing clients for another enrollment season, staying informed and having access to the right tools can make a difference.
Explore PSM's ACA Agent Resources to learn more about enrollment tools, training, and available opportunities.
This information is intended for insurance agent education and is not legal or compliance advice. Requirements may differ for State-Based Marketplaces. Agents should consult current CMS guidance and their enrollment platform's procedures.